Filipinos no longer need to wear face shields in outdoor spaces, Malacañang said Monday ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's decision on its mandatory wearing in indoor commercial spaces.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the clarification pending Duterte's decision on the inter-agency's task force appeal to continue the wearing of face shields in indoor commercial spaces and public transport.
"Ang malinaw po ganito, hindi na kailangan ng face shield sa labas kasi hindi naman po 'yan inapila ng IATF," Roque said in a Palace press briefing.
This means that Filipinos only need to wear face masks outdoors.
The IATF however has requested to keep the rule on the mandatory wearing of face shields in the following places:
- indoor spaces of hospitals, schools, workplaces, commercial establishments
- public transport and terminals
- places of worship
A memorandum on the wearing of face shields will likely be issued this week by the President, Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles earlier said.
The wearing of face shields on top of face masks in public places was first made mandatory in December last year as the country prepared for possible spikes in COVID-19 cases.