Año: Checkpoints installed to see if travelers, passengers complying with health protocols

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Saturday said checkpoints have been placed in strategic areas to check if people are complying with the minimum health protocols such as wearing face shield and face mask.

"Para i check travelers and passengers complying with health protocols," Año told reporters.

The Interior secretary also said this is also in preparation for the upcoming anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.

"Likewise lapit na din anniversary ng NPA. Mag conduct daw sila ng atrocities para mapansin. Di kasi maka extort nowadays," he added.

Among the checkpoints recently installed was one at the boundary of Pasig City and Rizal. 

Manila Police District also checked vehicles going to Divisoria.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Tuesday that people are now required to wear face masks and face shields whenever they go out of their residences as the government aims to slow the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season.

He made the announcement a day after the meeting of the policy-making Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Previously, the government required the wearing of face shields only inside establishments and public transportation vehicles.

The IATF said government agencies will come up with guidelines on the proper use of face shields, including possible exemptions.

Pasig City has exempted bikers from wearing face shield while biking in the city, saying it is dangerous to do so. —KG, GMA News