Face shields now required in commercial establishments

MANILA, Philippines — Wearing of face shields will now be required inside commercial establishments especially malls, as additional precautionary measure against COVID-19.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. yesterday said the National Task Force on COVID-19 agreed on requiring the use of face shields as anti-coronavirus measure in addition to wearing of face masks, social distancing, frequent hand-washing and proper hygiene.

“It was agreed in the National Task Force on COVID-19 that aside from wearing of face shields in public transportation and at work, face shields should also be worn in enclosed commercial establishments like malls,” Roque said in Filipino.

Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan have reverted to general community quarantine (GCQ) along with some cities in Cebu until Aug. 31 while the rest of the country remain under modified GCQ status.

Despite a more relaxed quarantine status for Metro Manila, the IATF has urged the public to remain mindful of strict health protocol enforced at local government level. The use of face shields was initially required only in public transport last week.