IATF urges Duterte to continue mandatory wearing of face shields vs. COVID-19

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the continued mandatory wearing of face shields in enclosed and indoor spaces such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and commercial establishments.

In a statement, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the IATF also recommended the mandatory wearing of face shields in public transportation and terminals, and places of worship. 

"While waiting for the President’s decision on the matter, the existing policy on the use of face shields remains in effect," Roque said.

Earlier in the day, Roque said Duterte's statement requiring the wearing of face shields on top of face masks only in hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic is considered policy.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/791889/palace-duterte-statement-on-face-shield-use-considered-policy/story/

“I can confirm what Senate President [Vicente] Sotto and Senator [Joel] Villanueva said that the President did say that the wearing of face shield should only be in hospitals,” Roque said during a Palace briefing.

“When the President has decided, that is the policy,” he added.

The IATF, however, can appeal Duterte's decision, Roque said.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the IATF would decide on the matter at a meeting on Thursday.

Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega earlier said face shields need not be worn on top of face masks when outdoors because there is less risk of being infected with COVID-19.

Before Roque's briefing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the Department of Health would appeal if the president decided to only require the use of face shields in hospitals. —NB, GMA News