STARTING AUG. 15

PAL to require passengers to wear face shields

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has announced that it will require all its passengers to wear face shields in compliance with the latest directive of the Department of Transportation to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

According to a report on “24 Oras News Alert” on Wednesday, the mandatory use of face shields is effective beginning August 15, Saturday.

The use of face shields is in addition to the airline’s face mask policy to board a flight, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

PAL said face masks and shields must be worn at airports and on board domestic and international flights, except during meals.

Children below 2 years old and individuals with respiratory concerns who have difficulty breathing, meanwhile, are not required to wear face shields.

In its Twitter post and travel advisory, PAL said those who will fail to bring and wear face mask and face shield will not be allowed to board their flight.

"Passengers are also encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizers and on-board travel essentials, including writing pens needed to fill up required forms," PAL added.

On August 5, the DOTr announced the mandatory use of face shields, aside from wearing face masks, for all passengers in any mode of public transportation effective August 15, 2020.

In a Memorandum Circular released on August 4, the DOTr, through its Administrative Service, has ordered all officials and heads of its various transportation sectors to enjoin, within their respective jurisdictions, the mandatory wearing of face shields for all passengers in areas where public transportation is allowed.—AOL, GMA News