Ilocos Norte scraps face shield policy under Alert Level 2

Wearing a face shield is no longer required in Ilocos Norte after almost a year of its implementation. (Photo courtesy of Laoag city government)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—This province is completely getting rid of the face shield requirement after the COVID-19 task force (IATF) decision to make the wearing of face shields “voluntary” in areas under Alert Level 1 to 3, the provincial government said Tuesday.

The IATF on Nov. 13 placed Ilocos Norte under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, the second most lenient COVID-19 classification in the country.

The public and several establishments welcomed the provincial government’s decision to scrap the mandatory face shield requirement.

Robinsons Place Ilocos, the biggest mall in Ilocos Norte, immediately announced on Tuesday that it would no longer require its customers to wear face shields when visiting the mall.

It would, however, continue to strictly follow other health and safety protocols to ensure a safe malling experience for the public.

The Northwestern University in this city also said wearing face shields is no longer required inside its campus.

While some of the health protocols had been relaxed, authorities have yet to release a new set of guidelines on travel and border requirements, especially for fully vaccinated individuals, under COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

The provincial government still requires negative COVID-19 tests before entry to the province of tourists, returning residents, and authorized persons outside the residence, regardless of vaccination status.

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