The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday urged local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) to postpone the scrapping of mandatory use of face shields to not "create confusion."
"Until we can have the IATF resolution, we urge all local governments to just hold their executive orders or their issuances so that we can all be uniform in our implementation and we are all aligned," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing.
On Monday, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced that he is lifting the mandatory face shield requirement across the city except in medical facilities.
"Basta sa Maynila, hindi na po mandatory ang face shield, only ating mga medical facility na lamang, para mawalan na kayo ng alalahanin, gastusin, makahinga na kayo nang maluwag," Moreno said in an interview with dzRH.
"Kayong mga malls, wag kayong magre-require basta dun lang sa mga hospital setting or clinic," he added.
Just hours after, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said the 17 local chief executives in the capital region agreed to only require face shields in "critical areas," such as hospitals, health centers, and public utility vehicles.
In an interview, MMDA chair Benhur Abalos said the decision stemmed from the suggestion of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding the optional use of face shields.
