DOH: Motorcycle and bike riders no longer required to wear face shields

With the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases in our country, the government implemented health protocols of wearing face masks and face shields. However, wearing one while riding a bike or motorcycle can be a serious hazard.

DOH: Motorcycle and bike riders no longer required to wear face shields

It can affect the vision of cyclist and bike riders

Just this month, a group of policemen in Cainta, Rizal detained a doctor because of disobedience and unjust vexation. He was caught biking without a face shield last April 4 so he had to stay in the precinct for four days and pay a bail amount of PHP 3,000.

This incident should not even take place since the men from PNP do not have a right to do so. In Section II (B) (6) of DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0534, there’s an exemption from wearing one. It includes individuals who enagge in strenuous activities/work, fine workmanship, operation of transportation vehicles, and active transport.

The Department of Health issued this memo after a series of reports of arrest to those cyclists not wearing face shields. The agency added, “With increasing reports of cyclists and other active transport users being arrested for not wearing face shields, the Department of Health reiterates that active transport users does NOT require the use face shields due to its potential safety risks when used during active transport.”

Who is exempted from the mandatory face shield in public?

Section II (B) (6) of DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0534, which provides guidance on the use of face shields, states that “individuals engaged in strenuous activities/work, fine workmanship, operation of transportation vehicles, and active transport” will remain exempted from mandatory wearing face shields. Due to possible vision impairment, people do not advice wearing one.

DOH just want to point out that active transport users should still use face mask properly. Aside from that, they must observe physical distancing, respiratory hygiene practices, and other appropriate health interventions while riding a motorcycle or bike.

Motorcycles and bicycles recently became both practical means of transport for the Filipino mass. Not everyone can afford to book Grab or have their own cars. So the government should really take this into consideration before implementing rules that can burden the citizens more.