DOH: Face shields not required for cyclists

CEBU, Philippines — Following reports of cyclists and other active transport users being arrested for not wearing face shields, the Department of Health has reiterated that cyclists and the likes are not required to use face shields due to its potential safety risks.

Section II(B)(6) of DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-05341, states that individuals engaged in strenuous activities or work, fine workmanship, operation of transportation vehicles, and active transport are exempted from wearing face shields.

Section II(A)(5) of the DOH-DTI-DOLE-DILG-DOTr-DPWH-PSC-GAB Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-00012 also provides clarificatory guidelines on the mandatory use of face shields outside of residence for COVID-19 mitigation.

It states that “due to the possible vision impairment face shields bring, bikers and users of other forms of active transport are exempted from the mandatory use of face shields outside of their residences.”

DOH emphasizes that face shields must be worn before and after cycling or other similar activities.

The health department also reminded active transport users that the use of face masks; and the observance of physical distancing, respiratory hygiene practices, and other appropriate health interventions must continue to be practiced while cycling or engaging in other forms of active transport.

Other exemption to wearing the mandatory face shield also includes neonates and children below two years old, individuals wearing goggles or other barriers for eye protection in their current tasks or line of work, those who are unable to remove face shields on their own -- including those who are incapacitated, unconscious or with medical conditions.

Individuals engaging in any form of health-enhancing physical activity or sports provided that a physical distancing of two meters in open spaces or outdoor facilities and three meters in enclosed spaces or indoor facilities are observed. Face shields may be removed during the conduct of the activity, but must be worn before and after the activity.

Individuals whose safety or ability to work would be seriously and adversely affected by visual or respiratory impairment due to use of a face shield as well as those engaged in strenuous activities or work, fine workmanship like seamstress, operation of transportation vehicles and active transport.

Face shields may be removed if the safety or ability to work will be seriously and adversely affected by visual or respiratory impairment due to use of the same.

However, face shields must be worn before and after the exempted work, task or activity.

Passengers of motor vehicles wearing helmets with full-face visors while in transit are also exempted but are mandated to wear face shields before and after transit.

Those eating and drinking in public spaces are also exempted, but face shields must be worn before and after eating and drinking. — GMR (FREEMAN)