Masking is still the standard in Japan, and most people wear masks even outdoors.
The number of people who do not wear masks is probably about one in 1,000. Incidentally, I make it a rule to wear no mask outdoors.
In the Philippines, for a change, the wearing of masks is now mandatory by law.
About two months ago, Governor Garcia of Cebu Province objected and signed a decree making the wearing of masks optional outdoors and in places with good visibility. The government is not happy with Governor Garcia's decision.
Now Cebu City Mayor Rama has said that wearing masks, whether outdoors or not, is not mandatory.
The Philippine Department of Health has condemned this decision, expressing its displeasure and saying that it has not been consulted by Mayor Rama.
Mayor Rama's decision was based on the fact that the coronary vaccine coverage is high and the number of patients is decreasing. Incidentally, as of August 31, 850,321 people had received the vaccine and 177,570 people had received the booster.
Mayor Rama emphasized that he took all of these factors into consideration when issuing the administrative order.
However, for medical institutions, masks should be worn as before. For schools and workplaces, he said, it is possible for facility managers to mandate the wearing of masks at their discretion.
Although Cebu City's decision was expected to be followed by the neighboring cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, the mask restrictions have not been lifted as of today, perhaps because they are concerned about the Philippine government's actions.
In the Philippines, a fine of 5,000 pesos is imposed for not wearing a mask in public; 5,000 pesos is the equivalent of half a month's salary for the average person, so it is a hefty fine.
I am not at all familiar with the powers of local government in the Philippines, but I would think that residents would be confused if the national policy differs from the local policy. I don't know if that's why or not, but it seems that many Cebu citizens still wear masks.
My wife and I will be in Cebu in November and hope to be mask-free by then.
