Face shields edict exempts drivers, allows eyeglasses

A city ordinance mandating the wearing of face shields, but providing exemptions and alternatives, was passed Tuesday by the Iloilo City Council.

The ordinance, authored by City Councilor Ely Armada Estante Jr., mandates the wearing of face shields in public places particularly in areas where three or more people may gather in close proximity to each other such as malls, markets, schools, commercial establishments, and office buildings.

Such is in keeping with Resolution No. 61 from the Interagency Task Force on for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease, specifically Orders made by the Departments of Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, and Transportation.

However, the city ordinance provides exemptions. Drivers of public and private vehicles as well as motorists are exempted from wearing face shields while driving “in the interest of road safety.”

Another exemption provides that “Face shields may also be removed according to the demands of the work or when the occupational safety and health of the employees so requires.”

Moreover, in lieu of face shields, eye protectors such as prescription eyeglasses, goggles, or visor-type face shields are allowed. This provision addresses confrontations in malls imposing rules that require the wearing of full-face shields before a patron can be allowed to enter the premises.

The exemptions were made in view of the stiff resistance by the transport sector against the DoTR Order mandating the wearing of face shields by public utility drivers and passengers with the corresponding burden of a fine being imposed upon the driver.

Likewise, many are saying that the science on the benefits of wearing full face shields remains inconclusive. And that it may even be detrimental if hygienic practices such as the regular disinfection of face shields are not followed.

The ordinance, which amends the Face Mask Ordinance, also authored by Estante, takes effect 15 days after publication.