NCR mayors seek IATF clarification on use of face shields

Metro Manila mayors asked the government’s COVID-19 task force to clarify whether people will be required to wear face shields inside malls and offices, an official said Monday.

At present, the wearing of face shields is mandatory in any mode of public transportation and for employees reporting for work.

“Let’s say pupunta ka sa bangko, eh meron nang acrylic glasses na sila di ba? Are they still [required] to wear face shield? Iyon ang tanong ng mga mayors na sana maglabas ng guidelines ang IATF kung ano talaga para standard sila,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jojo Garcia said in an online briefing.

The IATF refers to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, the government's policy-making body in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Paano ‘yung mga mall? Obligado ba na naka-face shield ang papasok na tao o hindi? Based sa guidelines ang obligado lang is ‘yung mga employees,” Garcia said.

The national government mandated the use of face shields on top of face masks effective August 15 to further reduce the risk of transmitting the virus that causes COVID-19.

“If some local government mayors feel na mas safe ‘yung mayroong face shield, sabi nga natin, call ‘yan ng mayors natin kasi ‘yun ang siyudad nila, mas kabisado nila ‘yan, mas alam nila,” Garcia said.

The Philippines has so far reported 161,253 COVID-19 cases, including 112,586 recoveries and 2,665 deaths. —KBK, GMA News