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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is extending the country's state of emergency declared by his predecessor more than two years ago to address ongoing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, BTA reported, citing a government official.

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Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the previously announced plan to eliminate the mandatory wearing of masks outdoors will take effect immediately across the country.

The exception is crowded public places, where it is more difficult to maintain social distance.

The Philippines and Myanmar were the last countries in Southeast Asia to require wearing a mask outdoors.

Philippine authorities have said they will assess whether indoor mask requirements can be lifted by the end of the year in areas where large numbers of people are receiving booster doses of coronavirus vaccines.  

In the Philippines, students are returning to school after more than two years

Previous President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire country in a state of emergency in March 2020 due to covid.

It was extended to allow for quick disbursement of emergency funds.

Cruz-Angeles told a news conference that the "state of emergency" that was supposed to end today could be extended for about three months.

The aim is to ensure the urgent purchase of what is needed in connection with the crisis situation and to provide supplements for health workers working with covid patients.

The Philippines is among the countries hardest hit by the covid pandemic in Southeast Asia.

Authorities imposed one of the world's longest lockdowns, causing the worst economic recession in decades and deepening poverty, hunger and unemployment.

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The epidemic of coronavirus (COVID-19)

state of emergency

The Philippines