Mayors in Metro Manila agreed to make the wearing of face shields optional, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benhur Abalos, Monday.
However, Abalos told Super Radyo dzBB that face shields are mandatory inside hospitals, health centers, and public transportation.
“Napag-usapan namin sa face shield. Number 1, ito ‘yung isasagot ko sa IATF na tanggalin na po ang face shields, hindi na gawing mandatory except for critical places,” he said.
(We talked about face shields. So, number 1, this is what I will tell IATF — to remove [the use of] face shields, and not make it mandatory except for critical places.)
The MMDA chief added they would support the recommendation of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año about the non-mandatory wearing of face shields.
Meanwhile, Mayor Isko Moreno issued an executive order saying that wearing face shields is now non-mandatory in the city.
However, wearing face shields will remain mandatory in hospital settings, medical clinics, and other medical facilities.
“…The wearing of the face shield in the City of Manila is non-mandatory except in hospital settings, medical clinics, and other medical facilities, which shall remain to be mandatory,” Moreno said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Viewers could remove the face shield inside the cinemas, which are scheduled to reopen this week.
Wearing of face shield no longer mandatory in Metro Manila – MMDA
According to Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, moviegoers can remove their face shields, but they must always wear their face masks.
If the moviegoer also wants, they can also wear their face shield while watching.
The OCTA Research Group, which conducts studies on COVID-19 data, previously supported the proposal to remove face shields inside cinemas.
According to Castelo, cinemas are required to disinfect before and after the film is released.
Also, under DTI guidelines, there should be a 1-meter distance between moviegoers even if they are family or together in the same residence.
It is said that food will be banned inside the cinema, but drinking water for emergency or health purposes will be allowed.
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