Commuters are now obligated to wear face shields when riding a public utility vehicle (PUV) starting August 15 or they will not have access to public transportation.
This a new protocol that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will implement as part of the fight against the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
According to the study of the Department of Health (DOH), wearing of face masks reduces transmission by 94%.
DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddess Hope Libiran stated that wearing of face shields plus social distancing will reduce the transmission by 99%. However, DOTr Senior Consultant Engineer Bert Suansing clarified that a full face shield is required.
The transportation department has pointed out that in this time of pandemic, it is better to spend for additional protection.
The implementation of this new policy will start next Saturday in areas under General Community Quarantine and Modified General Community Quarantine while the implementation in areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine will start on August 19.
Report from Karen Villanda