By Willem James Banaynal III

The government announced that the use of face shields is no longer required in areas classified under Alert Levels 1 to 3 starting Monday, November 15.

Wearing of face shields will remain mandatory in areas classified as Alert Level 5, while the face shield requirement is within the discretion of local government units (LGUs) for areas under Alert Level 4.

According to a memorandum released by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, these changes shall be implemented immediately. 

Along with this, it was reiterated that using face shields is still necessary in hospitals, medica and quarantine facilities. 

Meanwhile, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos disclosed on Monday, November 15, that local chief executives in the National Capital Region (NCR) will meet to discuss possible revisions in the initial policy allowing young children in public areas.

According to Abalos, health officials, pediatricians, and the Department of Health (DOH) director of NCR will talk about the ideal age group that should be permitted in public spaces such as shopping malls.

As there are no age restrictions with regards to those allowed to enter malls in areas under Alert Level 2, Abalos also reminded parents to remain responsible amidst the easing of restrictions in Metro Manila.

At present, Metro Manila is classified as Alert Level 2, and this will go on until November 30, 2021.

References:

ABS-CBN News. (2021, November 15). Gov’t lifts face shield rule for areas under Alert Level 3, below. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/15/21/govt-lifts-face-shield-rule-for-areas-under-alert-level-3-below

CNN Philippines Staff. (2021, November 15). Duterte lifts face shield rule in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3. CNN Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/11/15/ph-lifts-face-shield-policy-alert-levels-1-to-3.html

CNN Philippines Staff. (2021, November 15). Govt must retain face shield protocol — medical group exec. CNN Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/11/15/Govt-must-retain-face-shield-protocol-medical-group-exec.html

CNN Philippines Staff. (2021, November 15). Metro Manila mayors to discuss possible limits on young kids. CNN Philippines. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/11/15/Children-malls-COVID-19-Metro-Manila.html?fbclid=IwAR2utiUBSuGsfjXDK4m6A5WiDyPSnSTdIoAnxOaNltRoTSuAVe_ZTHk5u58

Geducos, A. (2021, November 13). NCR retains alert level 2 status until Nov. 30; more quarantine classifications bared. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/13/ncr-retains-alert-level-2-status-until-nov-30-more-quarantine-classifications-bared/