The policy was instituted following a statement issued by Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon A. Penn on ‘Adjusting Public Health Measures in the Current Context of COVID-19’, on June 13, 2022.

Following Honourable Penn’s statements, Circular 4 of 2022 was issued stating that Cabinet had removed the legal requirement to wear facemasks or coverings in public places effective June 15, 2022.

Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr has said the ‘Mask Policy for Public Officers and Offices’ will be discontinued effective November 1, 2022.

Mask wearing now a 'choice'

The Deputy Governor in a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) on October 20, 2022, said the Public Service instituted an extension of the mask policy for 3 to 6 months and that the decision was made considering the high interaction with the public, especially frontline support, receptionists and other officers who give direct and regular service to external clients.

“As the Deputy Governor, discussions regarding developing and instituting a mask policy for Public Officers and offices in the absence of a legal mandate were conducted with senior leaders of the Public Service, noting public and private organisations were still allowed to set their own policies on face coverings,” Mr Archer Jr said.

The Deputy Governor added that with the discontinuation of the Mask Policy, it will be the individual choice of Public Officers and clients to wear masks in public offices if they deem it necessary for their safety and peace of mind.

Individuals with questions or concerns are encouraged to send an email to dgo@gov.vg or call 468-2195.