People will no longer be obliged to wear face masks while using public transportation.

On Sunday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the lifting of COVID-19 protocols, including the mask mandate, on public transportation after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared an end to the state of public health emergency throughout the country.

Marcos’ Proclamation No. 297 states that ”all prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effective only during the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked, or canceled and shall no longer be in effect.”

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, meanwhile, said the President’s pronouncement indicated that the requirement for wearing masks on public transportation and in other settings as specified in Executive Order No. 7 ”is now considered rescinded from a technical standpoint.”

Physical distancing protocols were also lifted, and all passenger vehicles will continue to operate at full capacity, the DOTr said.

“This new development is a significant step towards normalizing public transportation and supporting economic recovery,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

“While public safety remains a top priority, the removal of protocols aims to facilitate commuters’ convenience, contribute to the revival of the transportation industry, and help stimulate economic activity,” he added.

Bautista said frequent sanitization of public transportation continues to prevent any potential health risk.