Private establishments should follow voluntary face shield use policy —Palace

Private establishments should follow the national government's policy of making the use of face shields voluntary in areas under Alert Levels 1, 2 and 3 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palace said Tuesday.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles made the announcement after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Inter-Agency Task Force recommendation on voluntary face shield use in Alert Level 1, 2 and 3 areas.

"Private establishments would have to follow the protocols. When it is voluntary, it means it is the personal choice of the person," Nograles said.

In August last year, the government mandated the use of face shields in public transportation and in commercial establishments.

Medical professionals however have been divided as to whether the use of face shields is beneficial to the people.

Metro Manila, the center of the country's economy, is under Alert Level 2 until November 30. 

Alert Level 2 allows minors in leisure places, provided they are accompanied by fully vaccinated adults or guardians. —KG, GMA News