Wearing of face shields on top of face masks will soon be mandatory in all enclosed public spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the joint committees on health and of laws, ordinances and juidiciary said in a public hearing today.
Task Force COVID-19 focal person Dr. Ophelia Rivera, citing medical studies, said wearing of face shields adds another layer of protection. She also underscored the need for the stringent enforcement of proper wearing of face mask and, when approved, face shield in the face of 11 active cases in the city.
“Don’t think that using a face shield is just an additional expense or another hassle. Let us remember that no amount of protection is too much when it comes to health and safety, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy,” Councilor Dennis Canto, health committee chairperson said.
Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases(IATF-EID), the Department of Transporation and the Department of Trade and Industry enjoined the mandatory use of face shields in all workplaces and in public transportation to further prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Last August 24, Mayor Marc Brian Lim also issued Executive Order No. 30-C expanding the guidelines under modified general community guidelines, particularly the use of face shield in certain activities and industries as part of basic and mandatory health and safety measures.
Under the proposed measure, Councilor Michael Fernandez sought to lay down a clear-cut definition of ‘enclosed public spaces’ as to include “public facilities such as all government offices, public markets, supermarkets, public and private hospitals and health centers, banks and other financial institutions, remittance centers and courier service centers, places of religious worship, educational institutions, and other places of work.”
Under the draft ordinance, violators shall be denied outright entry to, and/or prohibited access to any service offered in such office, establishment, institution or enterprise.
Owners or operators of such enterprise, establishment or business who deliberately allow and/or consent to individuals to enter their premises and access their services without face shields on top of face mask shall meted a penalty of reprimand on first offense, P200 fine for second offense, and P300 fine and revocation of business license on third offense.
