Muntinlupa lifts mandatory use of face shields except in hospitals, clinics

The Muntinlupa City government announced on Friday that it no longer required face shields within the city except in hospitals and clinics.

“All persons found in the city of Muntinlupa shall no longer be required to wear a face shield outside of residence and in any public or private establishments, except in hospitals and clinics,” the local government unit stated in an ordinance issued.

Based on the issued Ordinance No. 2021-290, the local government dropped the use of face shields due to the high percentage of vaccinated individuals and decreasing COVID-19 infections.

“[T]he Sangguniang Panlungsod deems it necessary to allow the non-use of face shields in public and private establishments with certain exemptions,” the ordinance, approved by Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, stated.

The local government, however, noted that the use of face shields was still required in hospitals and clinics.

The Manila City government earlier also dropped the use of face shields in the city except in hospitals, medical clinics, and other medical facilities.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benhur Abalos said other Metro Manila mayors agreed to make the wearing of face shields optional.

As these developed, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque warned mayors against defying the mandatory face shield policy for crowded and enclosed spaces, saying the policy remained in effect unless the government's pandemic task force says otherwise. — DVM, GMA News