DOTr implements mandatory use of face shields for all passengers using public transportation

August 5, 2020

All passengers using any mode of public transportation will be required to wear face shields, aside from face masks, effective August 15, as mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In a Memorandum Circular released on August 4, the DOTr, through its administrative service, has ordered all officials and heads of its various transportation sectors to enjoin, within their respective jurisdictions, the mandatory wearing of face shields for all passengers in areas where public transportation is allowed.

The initiative aims to further reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in public transport facilities as health authorities have pointed out that the use of face shields and masks reduces exposure to and emission of respiratory droplets considerably.

“Let us remember that no amount of protection is too much when it comes to health and safety, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy. What we are addressing is not a transport issue but rather a health issue. That is why I am asking for everyone's cooperation, ” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

The directive applies to all public transportation throughout the country, involving aviation and airports, railways, road, and maritime sectors.

“We will enforce this in all public transportation like trains, buses, jeepney, taxi, passenger vessel and airplanes. I will not elaborate more on the practical benefits the face shield offers, but we know that the use of face coverings and masks for superior protection is adopted widely,” Transportation Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs Artemio Tuazon Jr. stressed.

Tuazon said the face shield to be used should sufficiently cover the nose and mouth.

“There are visors, googles or protective eyewear  that only encloses the eye area. We advise that our passengers use the ones that cover the whole face. It’s actually meant as a redundancy of the protection of the face mask,” Tuazon added.

Stringent preventive measures are still in effect to contain the spread of COVID-19 in all public transport facilities.

These include mandatory wearing of face mask, strict enforcement of the social distancing measure, and handwashing or hand sanitizing. Talking and using mobile phones are likewise discouraged inside all public transportation.