By Pearl Gumapos
The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 10 (DILG-10) on Friday said the wearing of face shields when in public places is still mandatory in Northern Mindanao.
DILG-10 Assistant Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recommended to President Duterte the mandatory use of face shields.
“While waiting for the President’s decision on the matter, the existing policy on the use of face shields remains in effect,” Sunga said.
Sunga said the areas specified by the IATF-EID include enclosed or indoor spaces of hospitals, schools, workplaces, and commercial establishments, such as malls and public markets, public transport and terminals, and places of worship.
She added that public transportation, such as buses and vans, are enclosed settings hence, it is important for people to still use their face shields while on board.
Department of Health Region 10 Assistant Director Dr. David Mendoza said face shields should always be worn inside enclosed settings, such as commercial buildings or malls.
“If you are in the open, you can remove the shield but the mask should always be there,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza added that face shields could add protection from contracting COVID-19 since the face mask could only give 98% to 99% protection against the virus.
He said putting on the shield would help minimize the transmission of COVID-19. -rir
