DTI requires some establishments to use other protective gears

July 31, 2020

The Department of Trade and Industry is requiring establishments that will be reopened starting August 1 to use other protective gears to contain the spread of coronavirus disease.

In the "Laging Handa" virtual press briefing, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said aside from wearing masks, other protective gears that should be used are gloves and face shields.

"The additional precautionary measures in opening up some sectors is to require (the use) of other protective gears in these sectors and the workers here and their customers," he said.

He cited that in the gyms, fitness centers and other sports facilities, the DTI is requiring the use of gloves since the customers will be sharing the equipment.

Lopez said there should also be better air circulation or exhaust system.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases recently approved the operation at "30 percent" capacity of testing and tutorial centers, review centers, gyms, fitness centers and sports facilities, internet cafes, establishments offering personal grooming and aestheric services, pet grooming, and drive-in cinemas starting August 1.

Lopez said for review centers, the capacity is only up to 10 people per room and there should be physical distancing and wearing of mask.

"And eventually, we will make it a habit, aside from the mask, we will encourage the wearing of shields, face shield, for additional protection," he said.

For the establishments providing personal grooming in areas under general community quarantine, the additional protective gear for workers will be coveralls and gloves.

In a separate statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that during the IATF meeting, there were initial discussions on the use of face shields to complement wearing of face masks in public, particularly in low ventilation settings, such as public transportation.

"Studies have shown that wearing of face shields, in addition to wearing of masks and physical distancing, would further reduce virus transmission in low ventilation settings," he said. Celerina Monte/DMS