The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has removed the provision on the mandatory use of face shields during in-person campaigning and during the process of casting votes in the upcoming elections.
Based on the newly published Comelec’s new normal manual, “the use of face shields shall be voluntary” in areas under Alert Levels 1,2, and 3 based on the Memorandum of the Executive Secretary dated Nov. 15, 2021.
The poll body also clarified that while door-to-door campaigning is allowed, this is only limited to a company of five individuals per candidate. Social distancing and minimal physical contact during household visits are required.
Campaigners are prohibited to go inside residences regardless of the owner’s permission.
The campaign organizing staff must also submit a statement of compliance within 24 hours after the campaign has been conducted.
On the day of election, the Comelec will deploy COVID-19 marshals to strictly implement minimum health protocols.
A voter’s assistance desk will also be placed in each polling precinct where voters can get their sequence number to prevent crowding of voters when finding their precinct room.
An isolation polling place will be set up for those who will have a high temperature or over 37.5 degrees and for those showing symptoms of COVID-19. – Report from Karen Villanda/AG-rir
Watch the report here:
