Año tells LGUs not to penalize persons who don’t wear face shields

August 10, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday told local government officials to not impose a penalty to persons who do not wear face shields outside their homes.

In a TV interview, Año said the government is only encouraging the public to wear face masks especially in crowded areas which they cannot maintain the two meter physical distance.

“Based on the guidelines of IATF, it ( face shield) is not included in the mandatory minimum health standards. It is still wearing face masks, physical distancing and washing of hands but we encourage it and it can be a requirement in crowded places like for example mass transport, establishments, isolation facilities, hospitals, markets, workplaces, areas where we cannot maintain the two meter distance,” he said.

“Face shields can be useful… the LGUs have a power to implement (wearing of face shields) but there should be no penalty unlike with the minimum health standards,” he added.

Año made the statement after he was informed there are LGUs who will penalize and even detain those who are not wearing face shields.

“If possible, don’t penalize because wearing face shields in the areas I mentioned can be a requirement where they can only deny your entry or you cannot ride on mass transport,” Año said.

As to wearing of face mask and observing social distancing inside the house, Año said it is really a challenge to every family but they should try it after they found out the transmission of COVID-19 is now through the family.

 “If they cannot (observe social distance) they should wear a face mask, face shield is also advisable. Also important is to protect the elders if there is one inside their house… and if possible they should stay at home,” he said.

Asked about the modified community quarantine in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces, Año said there is still no decision and they are still waiting for the data coming from the experts.

Año said they will meet with the Metro Manila Council Tuesday evening to ask for their recommendation.

The MECQ imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite Laguna and Rizal is until August 18. Ella Dionisio/DMS