Malacañang announced Monday the public are now required to wear face shields whenever they are in the public markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, and government venues.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) the mandatory use of face shields in the said places in Resolution No. 68.
“In addition to the requirement of wearing face shields in public transportation and in workplaces as mandated by the issuance of Department of Transportation and the joint issuance of the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade, respectively, the wearing of the same shall likewise be required in supermarkets, public markets, malls, and in venues where government-initiate meetings and critical government services are being conducted or provided,” the IATF said.
Roque said using face shields is “highly encouraged” in other public areas as it gives additional protection against COVID-19.
He also urged local government units to give free face shields to their constituents.
Members of the vulnerable population would be prioritized in the distribution of face shields, which would be subject to the availability of funds.
The National Task Force earlier required wearing of face shield inside enclosed spaces such as malls and other establishments.
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Wearing of face shields now required in public markets, gov’t venues
According to CDC, a “face shield is primarily used for eye protection for the person wearing it. At this time, it is not known what level of protection a face shield provides to people nearby from the spray of respiratory droplets from the wearer. There is currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control.”
Though face shields could give additional protection, there is currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. “Therefore, CDC does not currently recommend use of face shields as a substitute for masks.”
Reusable face shields should be cleaned and disinfected after each use according to manufacturer instructions or by following CDC face shield cleaning instructions.
Plastic face shields for newborns and infants are NOT recommended.