Malacaῆang said President Rodrigo Duterte will tackle in his public address tonight (June 21) the use of face shield as an added protection against COVID-19.
Duterte said in his meeting with lawmakers last week that he prefers the mandatory use of face shields in hospital settings only. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), however, appealed to retain its use in enclosed indoor spaces.
Speaking at his June 21 briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said face shields are no longer required in outdoor settings, including those for exercise and work purposes.
“Ang inapela lang ng IATF ‘yung pagsuot ng face shield sa loob, kasama na po sa mga malls at iba pang commercial establishments, at saka sa mga pampublikong transportasyon,” Roque said.
The IATF appeal covered face shield use in enclosed spaces such as hospitals, schools, workplaces, commercial establishments, malls and public markets, public transport and terminals, and places of worship.
Last week, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said face shields can be removed in outdoor settings where transmission is low, which also follows a directive exempting “individuals engaged in strenuous activities/work, fine workmanship, operation of transportation vehicles, and active transport” from wearing a face shield.
Aside from this, the government is set to implement on June 22 the shorter quarantine period for international inbound travelers who are fully vaccinated in the country.
Meanwhile, Malacaῆang said it will let the Congress decide on the remaining funds of the Bayanihan 2 amounting to P18.4 billion. The Senate said it is open to conducting a special session on the matter if needed. – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-rir
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