Isko Moreno: Face shields are now only required in medical facilities
Undeniably, our country is struggling to revive its economy. This is probably why the government is slowly lifting restrictions and loosening protocols here and there, like the abolishing of the use of face shields.
Abolishing mandatory use of face shields for practical reasons
Now, Mayor Isko Moreno announced that wearing a face shield is no longer mandatory, except in medical facilities and hospitals. In Manila’s Executive Order no. 42, series of 2021, the mayor cited the pending assessment of the city council on the use of face shields. Moreno added,
“Ang kailangan na lang natin gawin ay mag-mask, para kahit paano maibsan ang inyong gastusin dahil sa face shield na yan. Kailangan ko ang kusang disiplina niyo. Magpabakuna kayo.”
It is the first local government in the National Capital Region to lift the IATF policy mandating the use of the face shield to control the spread of COVID-19. The Manila mayor also mentioned the de-escalation of Metro Manila to Alert Level 2.
Moreover, Jonathan Malaya said that Eduardo Año will propose the lifting of face shields in the next meeting. Malaya explained that the DILG will recommend the gradual lifting of mandatory use of face shields except in hospital settings.
In an interview, MMDA chair Benhur Abalos said that he would tell the COVID-19 task force to scrap the requirement. Abalos claimed,
“Napag-usapan namin sa face shield. Number one, ito ‘yung isasagot ko sa IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) na tanggalin na po ang face shields, hindi na gawing mandatory except for critical places.”
DOH will still submit a recommendation to the IATF
On the other hand, the DOH is encouraging all LGUs to postpone the scrapping of the mandate to avoid confusion. The agency said that it will submit its “updated recommendation” to the IATF on Thursday.
Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire also noted that local government units must hold their orders, This is until the IATF releases a new policy on the use of face shields.
Obviously, this decision will elicit mixed reactions from the public. Some will favor this move while others might think that this is reckless. There are people who see face shields as a nuisance in day-to-day activities. However, some perceive that it’s an effective barrier against viruses.
What do you think?
