Face shield use stays until revoked by IATF

CEBU, Philippines —  Until the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) shall have come up with a decision, wearing of face shields will remain as part of the protocols against COVID-19.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire have called on the local government units to wait for the IATF resolution on the matter before ditching the use of face shields.

“Hanggang hindi pa nababago ang desisyon ng IATF, the order of the President through the IATF is ipapatupad pa rin ang pagsusuot ng ating mga face shields,” Roque said yesterday.

While he agreed with the observations of many that the continued use of face shields is becoming irrelevant, Roque stressed that he also respect the wisdom of IATF in requiring its use. He hopes that the local chief executives will also respect the policy.

Roque then reminded all the LGUs that they are under the President and that IATF was acting on behalf of the chief executive.

“Aking pakiusap sa ating mga local government units, lahat ng mga mayor under po ng supervision of the President in the executive branch of the government. Ang decision ng IATF ay desisyon din ng ating Presidente…So ang decision po ngayon ay ipatupad muna ang face shields,” said Roque.

“Hindi naman po natin sinasabing hindi tatanggalin yan. Konting pasensya lang po, pero kailangang sundin naman po ang chain of command sa executive branch of the government,” he added.

Earlier, Vergeire told LGUs to wait for the IATF’s decision before issuing orders to disregard the use of face shields. This comes after Manila Mayor Isko Moreno signed an executive order that face shields would no longer be required in the capital except in medical settings.

Vergeire said experts have already come up with a recommendation which will be presented to the IATF on Thursday.

"We urge local governments to just hold their executive orders or issuances so we can all be uniform in our implementation and we are all aligned," said Vergeire.

Vergeire said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will deal with the LGUs that would be found violating the national policy.

In Cebu City, acting Mayor Michael Rama said he supports the clamor to lift the face shield requirement. However, Rama said he will leave the decision to the chamber of commerce.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC), however, still recommends the use of face shields for 3Cs—close, crowded and close contacts. — FPL (FREEMAN)