This file photo shows a mural in Singalong district, city of Manila, depicting a man wearing a face shield. Philippine Daily Inquirer/Marianne Bermudez
MANILA, Philippines — The use of face shields during the campaigns and on election day in May are voluntary in areas under COVID-19 Alert Levels 1 to 3.
Based on the New Normal Manual of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) released on February 19, face masks are still required inside voting centers and during political activities such as rallies.
“All persons in attendance [of rallies, meetings, and other political activities] are required to always wear face masks and face shields, even when speaking,” the Comelec-issued manual states
“Always wear face masks and face shields and observe other minimum public health standards while inside the voting center,” it also says.
But the same manual also indicated that face shield use is voluntary in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3, pursuant to a memorandum of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
Earlier, the Comelec likewise issued Resolution No. 10732 which states face shields over masks must be worn for in-person campaign sorties regardless of alert level classification amid the coronavirus pandemic. The resolution is dated November 24, 2021.
The resolution further said that on May 9, voters must undergo a non-contact temperature check upon entry into voting premises. If voters register a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius and above, he/she will be attended to by medical personnel and if the voter has a fever, he/she can vote in the isolation polling precincts, the resolution noted.
Physical distancing and hand sanitation should also be observed on election day, the resolution added.
Candidates were earlier told by Comelec that handshakes, hugs, kisses, and any physical contact with the public are prohibited as the official campaign period for this year’s general elections started last February 8 for national candidates and is set to begin on March 25 for local candidates.
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