Davao discontinues face shield use in jeepneys

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Passengers of public utility jeepneys in this city are no longer required to wear face shields.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio emphasized that the use of face shields is necessary only in closed and confined spaces, city COVID-19 task force spokesperson Michelle  Schlosser said.

“She defined (a) jeepney (as a conveyance that) is not closed and confined. It is open with free ventilation,” Schlosser said during a COVID-19 alert program over Davao City Disaster Radio on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, Carpio issued an executive order (EO) providing the guidelines on the use of face shields.

The EO was in line with President Duterte’s directive on the  use of  face shields in closed, crowded and close contact areas.

The use of face shields was made mandatory in June upon the recommendation of experts who warned of the looming threat of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Carpio shortened the 24-hour liquor ban in the city to 1 a.m. to 8 a.m., which started on Tuesday.

Under EO 59 which the mayor issued on Monday, serving liquor in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, wet markets, videoke bars and other business establishments as well as drinking liquor in public places are prohibited until Jan. 15, 2022.

Alcohol may be served and consumed only in private properties.

Curfew hours were also lifted as COVID-19 cases in the city continue to drop.

“We’ll do it slowly. If we see that there is really that good effect in the vaccination and if we see that the medicine will be available, we can re-allow drinking in public places,” Carpio said.

She said stricter quarantine measures may be reimposed if the city will experience another surge in infections.