Face shield a must

CEBU, Philippines —  Starting August 15, 2020, passengers of public utility vehicles in areas where public transport is allowed will not be allowed to ride if they are not wearing face shields.

In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) mandated the wearing of face shields among passengers of PUVs.

This is on top of wearing a mask. The shield is an added layer of protection.

“As instructed by the Secretary, this is to mandate all officials/heads of various transportation sectors to enjoin within their respective jurisdictions the mandatory wearing of face shields (aside from face masks) for ALL passengers in areas where public transportation is allowed, effective 15 August 2020,” reads the department’s Memorandum Circular 2020-014.

The memo is signed by Atty. Artemio Tuazon, Jr., OIC Undersecretary for Administrative Service.

In line with this, DOTr OIC - Assistant Secretary for Maritime VADM Narciso Vingson, Jr. directed sea transportation officials to implement the “No Face Shield, No Ride” policy among passengers of sea vessels effective August 7, 2020.

Vingson addressed the memorandum to VADM Robert Empedrad, the administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority; Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago, the general manager of Philippine Ports Authority; Mr. Leonilo Miole, the general manager of Cebu Port Authority; and VADM George Ursabia Jr., the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.

"Mandatory wearing of face shields shall be observed by all sea passengers along with the established minimum health standards such as wearing of facemasks, washing of hands, and the practice of physical distancing," Vingson’s memorandum reads.

The Cebu Port Authority will also implement the directive on August 15.

Protection

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board -7 Director Eduardo Montealto, Jr. cited a study, which shows that wearing both a mask and face shield can protect a person by up to 96 percent.

"Naay study nga 96 percent ma-protected ang usa ka tawo kung magsul-ob og face shield aside sa face mask. Motuman na lang ta kay para pud ni sa atong safety. Barato ra man pud ang face shield. Naa sa Colon nakapalit mi tag P48 ang usa," Montealto said.

(There is a study that says a person can be protected by up to 96 percent if he wears both a face shield and face mask. We should just follow because this is for our safety. A face shield is not really expensive. We were able to buy at P48 each in Colon.)

Colon Street is located in downtown Cebu City.

Montealto said those who will not wear a mask and shield will not be allowed to board starting August 15, and that passengers who insist on riding can be arrested.

"Ang tanan nga pasahero dapat magsul-ob na gyud og face shield effective August 15 otherwise dili sila pasakyon," he said.

(All passengers must wear a face shield otherwise they will not be allowed to board.)

"Kung moinsister gyud ang pasahero mga mosakay unya walay face mask ug face shield, pwede kaayo siyang ipadakop," he added.

(If the passenger insists on boarding despite not wearing a face mask and face shield, that passenger can be arrested.)

Meanwhile, Montealto said that starting today, August 5, at least 30 modernized jeepneys will play various routes in Cebu City.

"Pero atong gipahibalo sa tanan nga 50 percent capacity ra gihapon ang atong mga public transportation," he said.

(We would like to inform everyone that these will accommodate only up to 50 percent of their capacity.)

Public transportation has returned to Cebu City after the city transitioned back to general community quarantine on August 1. — JMO (FREEMAN)