The use of face shields in public places is now compulsory following an executive order from Mayor Sara Z. Duterte.

Duterte’s directive, which became effective Tuesday, said the wearing of face shields and face masks corresponds to a similar policy issued earlier by the Department of Transportation governing the health requirements in the public transport sector.

In an interview Tuesday, Mayor Sara said the wearing of face shields in public places also jibes with the prior guidelines issued by the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Labor and Employment.

Those guidelines compel private establishments to enforce the wearing of face shields with face masks in workplaces to help contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Mayor Sara said the wearing of face shields is also mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) through a resolution issued in September.

The IATF rule mandates the use of a face shield with a face mask in supermarkets, public markets, malls, and in venues where government initiated meetings and critical government services are being conducted or provided.

“Face shields shall cover the entire face (completely cover the sides and length of the face). If possible, face shields should extend to the ears and below the chin. Visor-type face shields shall not be allowed,” Mayor Sara said in the directive.

Face shields and masks should always be worn together when interacting with colleagues, clients, and/or visitors.

“Face shields may be removed according to the demands of the work or when the employees’ occupational safety and health so requires,” she said. (PNA)