For the time being, the usage of face shields is allowed, although Malacaang is pushing people to use them as a precaution against COVID-19, especially its new Omicron form.
Only sites under granular lockdowns, those under the most extreme Alert Level 5, and healthcare and quarantine institutions are now required to wear face shields on top of face masks, according to the authorities.
Since then, officials have underlined that employers and commercial enterprises have the option of requiring the usage of face shields in their workplaces.
Carlito Galvez, Jr., the main implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, stated on Sunday that the government will look into the possibility of reimposing the face shield requirement, citing the necessity to safeguard the public against the Omicron version.
According to the new IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) decision, “the wearing of a face shield is essential in healthcare institutions, but it is optional in other contexts,” acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles stated during a press conference.
He added: “However, if we ask the experts, of course it is an added layer of protection. So while it is voluntary — personally, I would like to encourage our countrymen to wear face shields as an additional layer of protection if they can wear face shields, let us wear face shields as an additional layer of protection.”
In places where Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3 are in effect, wearing face shields on top of face masks is now voluntary. Local governments and private businesses have the authority to require the usage of face shields in Alert Level 4 regions.
The IATF’s spokeswoman, Nograles, encouraged the public to continue to follow basic health precautions such as wearing a face mask, washing hands often, and keeping a physical distance. In addition, he advised Filipinos to be vaccinated against the COVID-19.
To prevent the Omicron form, which was initially discovered in South Africa, the government has changed its travel rules. South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy have all been barred from flying into the country.
A program permitting fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa-required “green” list nations to enter the Philippines has also been halted.
With additional report: philstar
Image sources: thinkglobalhealth, philstar and businessmirror
