Fate of face shield policy remains in limbo

MANILA, Philippines — So can we now ditch wearing face shields?

We have yet to know.

The policy on face shield use — whether to remain mandatory or instead be voluntary — remains in limbo.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that while the government’s pandemic task force has already decided on the face shield policy, this is still up for approval by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte himself may also make the announcement.

Roque did not say when the President is expected to decide or announce the policy.

“Mayroon nang desisyon pero ito ay for approval and possibly for an announcement by the President himself,” he said in a video announcement.

(The IATF already has a decision but this is still up for approval and possibly for an announcement by the President himself.)

The issue on the use of face shields to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was floated anew after some local government units, including the country’s capital, Manila, issued local laws making the use of face shields “non-mandatory” or “voluntary.”

Roque earlier said these orders are “null” and “void” for going against existing national policy.

The IATF met on Thursday to decide on the face shield policy.

/MUF