OCTA Research supports non-requirement of face shields in cinemas

MANILA, Philippines — The OCTA Research said Tuesday it supports the suggestion on not requiring the wearing of face shields in cinemas.

For OCTA Research fellow Guido David, watching movies will not be enjoyable if the audience will be required to wear face shields. He noted that removing the requirement of wearing face shields in cinemas was also brought up in a forum.

“We should still wear face masks, but face shields, that’s a different topic. That can be discussed, because in fact we were in a Go Negosyo forum and they were discussing about removing the requirement for face shields in theaters because it actually makes sense. If you go to a theater, it would not be an enjoyable experience if you are wearing a face shield,” Guido told ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

Asked if he supports removing the requirement of wearing face shields in cinemas, David said: “We would support it because I think the move is to allow only vaccinated people to enter theaters.”

The reopening of cinemas was earlier allowed in Metro Manila as the region shifted to Alert Level 3. However, only fully vaccinated people will be allowed in theaters with an indoor seating capacity of 30 percent.

The Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) earlier announced that movie theaters would reopen starting November 10. Among the protocols for moviegoers is the wearing of face shields and face masks while inside theaters.

In September, President Rodrigo Duterte said wearing face shields outdoors is no longer required except in closed and crowded places.

RELATED STORIES:

Movie house rules set, but health experts still uneasy

Cinema operators to moviegoers on reopening of movie houses: We’re as excited as you are, but . . .

JPV