ILOILO City – “In the interest of road safety”, drivers of public and private vehicles as well as motorists in this city are exempted from wearing face shields while driving.
Under the city council’s recently passed ordinance, drivers would only be required to wear this protective gear when they are no longer driving.
Authored by Councilor Ely Armada Estante Jr., the “Face Mask Ordinance” also requires all persons to wear face shields in top of facemasks in public places, particularly in areas where three or more people may gather in close proximity to each other such as malls, markets, schools, commercial establishments, and office buildings.
“The wearing of face shield has been added to the protocols being enforced to further strengthen measures to protect the general populace from possible coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection,” read part of the new policy.
In lieu of face shields, eye protectors such as prescription eyeglasses, goggles, or visor-type face shields are also allowed.
This provision addresses confrontations in malls imposing rules that require the wearing of full face shields before a patron can be allowed to enter.
The removal of face shields are also allowed according to the demands of the work or when the occupational safety and health of the employees so requires.
“Many are saying that the science on the benefits of wearing full face shields remains inconclusive,” said Estante.
And that it may even be detrimental if hygienic practices such as the regular disinfection of face shields are not followed, he added.
PENALTIES
Non-wearing of face shields or eye protector has corresponding penalties, same with non-wearing of facemask such as P1,000 for the first offense; P2,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for third and succeeding offense and/or community service of eight hours a day for three days for first offense, eight hours a day for five days for second offense, and eight hours a day for seven days for third and succeeding offense.
The ordinance takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation./PN
