The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be recommending to the COVID-19 task force to scrap the mandatory use of faceshield, an official said Thursday.
"Kami sa DILG we will recommend through the IATF na dahan-dahan nang tanggalin ang face shield as a requirement, except of course in hospital settings [We at DILG will recommend the gradual removal of face shield] ," DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said during the Laging Handa press briefing.
ICYMI: Irerekumenda na ng DILG sa IATF na tanggalin na ang paggamit ng face shields bilang requirement kontra COVID-19, pero kakailanganin pa rin daw ito sa high-risk areas tulad ng mga ospital. #DZRHNationwide pic.twitter.com/n1VN548Ire
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 5, 2021
The IATF will then endorse the proposal to President Rodrigo Duterte, who will make the final decision.
Prior to this, IATF spokesperson Harry Roque said the task force is discussing easing the safety requirements in public spaces as COVID-19 cases decline.
"I can confirm that since the number of COVID-19 cases are going down, the IATF is discussing kung ipagpapatuloy pa ang pagsusuot ng face shield," Roque said.
At present, the government requires the use of face shields in closed and crowded spaces.
On Friday, Metro Manila has shifted to a more relaxed Alert Level 2 until November 21.
Under the IATF guidelines dated October 13, 2021, intrazonal and interzonal travel is allowed under the said alert level and, minors and those belonging to vulnerable populations will now be allowed to access essential goods and services.
Several establishments/activities are allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and minors even if unvaccinated, and 70% outdoor venue capacity.
