Muntinlupa backs optional use of face shield

The Muntinlupa City government said on Monday it is supporting the lifting of the mandatory wearing of face shields, but stressed it will still await the official guidelines of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Benhur Abalos earlier said that Metro Manila mayors have agreed to make the use of face shields optional except for high risk areas.  

During its regular city council session, the city said wearing face shield remains mandatory in hospitals and high risk areas.  It added it is still waiting for guidelines from the IATF on the new policy on the wearing of the gear, including the areas where it is needed.

The city emphasized that practicing minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing must still be observed.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, there are 133 reported active COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa, with the total number of confirmed cases reaching 27,469. Of the total cases, 26,764 have recovered while 572 died of the virus.—Giselle Ombay/LDF, GMA News