Duterte scraps face shield regulation

[Mike J]

Finally.  Hopefully LGUs and business will also stop requiring the use of face shields except in extraordinary circumstances.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/11/15/2141498/duterte-scraps-face-shield-requirement-areas-under-low-covid-19-alert-level

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday approved the pandemic task force's recommendation to ease national policy on the use of face shields. 

Per a memo signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea earlier this day, the following protocols on face shields will be implemented immediately: 

Mandatory use of face shields for areas under Alert Level 5 and granular lockdowns
For areas under Alert Level 4, local government units and private establishments are given discretion to mandate use of face shields 
Face shields are no longer required, to be worn on a voluntary basis for areas under Alert Levels 3, 2, and 1 
"The above protocols are without prejudice to the continuing mandatory use of face shields in medical and quarantine facilities, and the required use thereof by healthcare workers in healthcare settings," the memo reads. 

Malacañang last Friday said members of the pandemic task force had already agreed on new face shield rules but were waiting for Duterte's approval.

The government's face shield policy has long been the subject of scrutiny and criticism over its seeming lack of scientific basis. The health department insists, however, that the policy is guided by science and expert medical opinion. 

Several local government units have preempted the national government, doing away with face shield requirements outside of hospitals and clinics as early as last week.

The City of Manila's diversion from national policy, in particular, sparked debate between the Palace and LGUs over who has the final say on public health measures. 

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque previously argued during a public briefing that Mayor Isko Moreno's order was "null and void" due to a standing requirement from the national pandemic task force to retain the mandatory use of face shields in indoor and crowded areas.

Moreno, however, stood by his relaxed face shield policy, challenging Malacañang to take the issue to court. 

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas waded into the debate last Thursday, reminding Roque that "the Local Government Code provides that local governments have local autonomy,” disputing the latter's "theory that all LGUs must follow the chain of command."

[Clermont]

13 minutes ago, Mike J said:

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday approved the pandemic task force's recommendation to ease national policy on the use of face shields. 

And all it took was an old lady reading a policeman's horoscope in public about face shields, to change his tune. 

[graham59]

Yes. At last, the stupidity ceases (almost). 

.

 

[Old55]

This just in..... Goggles required! 

 

https://youtu.be/3O9FFrLpinQ

 

Nope not true. But it's stupid enough to be believable.

[Mike J]

59 minutes ago, Old55 said:

This just in..... Goggles required! 

 

https://youtu.be/3O9FFrLpinQ

 

Nope not true. But it's stupid enough to be believable.

You scared the &^$# out me until I read the final line. 

[Snowy79]

 I was surprised yesterday when entering the Mall on Boracay to be told sunglasses are OK. No need for a Face Mask.  They even allow you to remove your Face Mask if jogging etc.

 Obviously not every pulis are aware as I get some strange looks and words as I run past them, they even threatened my friend with a 2.5k peso fine but she gave them a mouthfull and jogged on even though I'd messaged her a copy of the executive order permitting mask removal. 

[Mike J]

Went to the mall today and face shields still required.   The guard said they are waiting for a written proclamation from the Mayor.  So it is possible we will continue to see a patchwork of local rules and requirements.  Frustrating for sure, but at least it is a step in the right direction.

[Clermont]

36 minutes ago, Snowy79 said:

Obviously not every pulis are aware as I get some strange looks and words as I run past them, they even threatened my friend with a 2.5k peso fine but she gave them a mouthfull and jogged on even though I'd messaged her a copy of the executive order permitting mask removal. 

Ask her if her Lola resides in Manila, she might be the old ladies granddaughter. 

[Jollygoodfellow]

10 hours ago, Mike J said:

Went to the mall today and face shields still required.   The guard said they are waiting for a written proclamation from the Mayor.  So it is possible we will continue to see a patchwork of local rules and requirements.  Frustrating for sure, but at least it is a step in the right direction.

I've been to Ayala on Sunday and today, no face shields anymore. More to do with establishments getting official word. 

[Jollygoodfellow]

11 hours ago, Snowy79 said:

No need for a Face Mask.  They even allow you to remove your Face Mask if jogging etc.

Is that a local rule? as far as I have seen face masks required everywhere no matter what. Even Duterte said mask will stay as long as covid.