ELEKSYON 2022

Wear face shields, face masks during campaign events, Comelec reminds public

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded the public to adhere to minimum health protocols including the use of face masks and face shields during the campaign period to prevent spread of COVID-19 infections.

In a virtual press conference, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez underscored that supporters and candidates must comply with minimum health protocols including wearing of face masks and face shields especially in “high-risk environments such as campaign events.”

READ: The do's and don'ts during campaign season

“As far as using it in campaign purposes it remains a crucial cornerstone of minimum health protocols and subject to the ruling of Comelec Campaign Committee (CCC). We will have to announce later on what the action is for those minor infractions we are seeing now,” Jimenez said.

“We are seeing a lot of people kasi they are taking the shields or they put it back on kung minsan napipicturan sila walang shield then later on meron na naman so we are going to decide what to do in instances like that,” he added.

Jimenez earlier said that voters are still required to wear face shields based on their latest guidelines.

He said the Comelec is consulting with the Department of Health with regard to the face shield policy for the May 9, 2022 elections.

“But in general the guidance remains, use face masks and face shields especially in high-risk environment such as campaigns,” he further said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier said the use of face shields shall now be merely optional for Filipinos in areas under Alert Levels 3, 2, or 1.

RT-PCR tests, vaccination cards not requirement for voting

Meanwhile, Jimenez said voters are not required to present vaccination cards and a negative RT-PCR test before voting.

“We are not requiring vaccinations, we are not requiring proof of vaccinations. We are not requiring RT-PCR for voters. Hindi po iyan requirement (It is not a requirement),” he added.

The official campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 candidates running for national positions started Tuesday, February 8, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The national and local elections is set on May 9.—AOL, GMA News