The Philippines has taken some of the most tough measures in the world to combat the spread of the coronavirus, with the country reporting 115,980 total cases and more than 2,123 deaths as of August 5.
Meanwhile, Pres. Duterte directed Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año to ensure that the police and local executives will enforce the regulations, noting that these measures can help the government in slowing down the spread of the virus.
In a Memorandum Circular released on 04 August 2020, the DOTr, through its Administrative Service, has ordered all officials and heads of its various transportation sectors to enjoin, within their respective jurisdictions that all passengers using any mode of public transportation will be required to wear face shields, aside from face masks, effective 15 August 2020.
For those traveling by sea, the mandatory wearing of face shields will be implemented starting on Friday, August 7.
In a separate memorandum, Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr., the assistant secretary for Maritime, directed the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Ports Authority, Cebu Port Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard to implement the “No-Face-Shield, No-RIde” policy effective on August 7.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said “Sa mga kababayan ’ho natin, huwag sana nating isipin na panibagong gastusin o dagdag abala ang pag-require natin sa paggamit ng face shield. Let us remember that no amount of protection is too much when it comes to health and safety, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy. What we are addressing is not a transport issue but rather a health issue. Kaya nga ‘ho hinihingi ko ang kooperasyon ng bawat isa,”
“Ipatutupad po natin ang mandatong ito sa lahat ng pampublikong sasakyan tulad ng sa mga tren, bus, jeepney, taxi, passenger’s vessels at maging sa eroplano. I will not elaborate more on the practical benefits the face shield offers, but we know that the use of face coverings and masks for superior protection is adopted widely,” DOTr Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs Artemio Tuazon Jr. said.
“Mayroon po kasing mga tinatawag na visor, goggles, o ‘yung iba pang protective eyewear that only encloses the eye area. We advise that our passengers use the ones that cover the whole face. It’s actually meant as a redundancy of the protection of the face mask,” Usec. Tuazon adds.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify operations against people who are not observing health and safety protocols amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Presidentas well as the Local government, the doctors and all front liners trying their very best to stop or minimize the spread of the virus.
We can’t assure then when this pandemic ends, as a law abiding citizen let should mind all the essential health practices to prevent contracting the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). You can help the government by doing your part. Before going out, know and follow the guidance from local public health authorities where you live. wear a face mask with face shield, stay at least one meter away from other people, frequent handwashing with soap and water.