ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. thumbed down the proposed scrapping of the policy requiring people to wear face shields outdoors.
Manila’s Mayor Isko Moreno urged the national government to revisit such policy, and should only require the use of face shields in hospitals to reduce people’s “expenses and concerns”.
Defensor said wearing face shields is important, especially for commuters and mall-goers.
“Sa public transportation important kay bal-an mo nagapungko ka ‘ya nga dugay…Ang hangin naga-agi kag nagakadto sa imo,” said Defensor.
But the governor said face shields may be waived in offices where there’s a limited number of people and social distancing could be observed.
“Sa gihapon gina-remind naton ang mga pumoluyo nga magsuksok sang facemask and face shield kon maggwa sa panimalay para maproteksyonan ang kaugalingon,” said Defensor.
Moreno noted that the Philippines might be the only country in the world requiring people to wear face shields outdoors.
Citing an infectious diseases expert, Palace spokesperson Harry Roque asserted: “Wearing face shields and anti-coronavirus masks while practicing physical distancing gives almost the same protection as getting vaccinated.”
“So right now, walang kinakailangan na compromise because it is a scientific fact na nakakatulong po ang pagsusuot ng face shield,” Roque said.
As of June 6, Iloilo had 8,648 total confirmed COVID-19 cases – 1,878 active, 6,569 recovered and 201 dead.
The 10 local government units with the most number of active cases (as of June 6) were Oton (167), Pavia (134), Passi City (126), Miag-ao (101), Santa Barbara (90), Guimbal (88), Cabatuan (77), Leganes (68), Barotac Nuevo (59), and Igbaras (58)./PN
