LUCENA CITY — Citing a spike in influenza-like illnesses, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan has reinstated the mandatory wearing of face masks.

“Due to the increasing number of cases of illnesses such as colds, coughs, influenza-like illness, and severe respiratory infections like community-acquired pneumonia—and in accordance with Executive Order No. DHT-60—the wearing of face masks is hereby strictly mandated in all indoor settings, as well as in outdoor areas where physical distancing cannot be observed,” Tan, a medical doctor, said in a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19.

Tan did not specify how long the policy will remain in effect.

EO No. DHT-60, issued on Dec. 27, 2023, requires face masks in all government and private offices, public spaces, hospitals, clinics, indoor settings, and outdoor areas where physical distancing is not possible.