Guv mulls use of face shields in public places, transports

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Thursday said he is considering implementing the wearing of plastic face shields in public transportation and public places.

The move follows the orders by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Iloilo City government, respectively, to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the province.

In a press conference, Defensor said he will follow national government guidelines on the wearing of face shields in public transport.

DOTr Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon Jr. on Tuesday issued Memorandum Circular 2020-014 directing the wearing of face shields in public transports.

“Right now, we will only follow the guidelines of the national government. I understand that face shields are required in public transportation, understandably because there needs to be additional social distancing measures in public transport because of the proximity between persons,” the governor said.

The governor added he may follow Iloilo City’s lead in implementing wearing of face shields in public markets.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on Thursday ordered public market vendors to wear face shields.

Defensor’s Executive Order No. 128, which placed Iloilo under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) since June 1, limits access to markets by assigning allowed days of the week for clusters of barangays.

“We can follow the city there. There are some places in my observation where there is closer distancing. Last Saturday, I went to the market at Leganes, and you cannot avoid it, although people aren’t that crowded and it may be a bit loose. We don’t have market days anymore because it is in our Executive Order that we distribute market days throughout seven days where only several barangays can enter in a single day,” he added.

The governor also reiterated that public gatherings requiring large, unquantifiable crowds are still prohibited.

Treñas likewise ordered on Thursday that all mass gatherings such as fiestas and wakes, among others are prohibited.

EO No. 128 allows mass gathering but sets limits of only up to 50 percent.

“That is already in our EO, which allows gatherings such as fiestas, except that we put colatillas through amendment. While we allow traditional celebrations, events that tend to draw large and unquantifiable crowds are not allowed. Our guidelines allow gatherings provided that it is only with half of the allowed capacity,” Defensor said.