- CHERYL G. CRUZ
The use of face shields in Bacolod City shall be voluntary, effective immediately, Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia said Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Leonardia said that this is in compliance with the memorandum from the Office of the President dated Nov. 15 on the protocols on the use of face shields in areas placed on different alert levels, or COVID restrictions.
Bacolod is under Alert Level 2 until the end of this month. The memorandum states that use of face shields in areas under Alert Levels 3, 2, and 1 will be voluntary.
But face shield use is still mandatory in medical and quarantine facility settings, and is required for healthcare workers in healthcare settings, the Office of the President said.
For areas under Alert Level 5 and on granular lockdowns, the use of face shields in community settings shall be mandatory.
For areas under Alert Level 4, local government units and private establishments are given the discretion to mandate the use of face shields, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said.
Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said establishments operating in areas under Alert Levels 3, 2, and 1 should also follow the face shield protocol.
But Leonardia said, “While we are already in Alert Level 2 and we have sustained the decrease in COVID-19 cases, it is best that we remain cautious as we relax restrictions.”
“Wear your mask. Avoid high risk situations like crowds and poorly ventilated areas,” the mayor said in a statement. “The virus is still lurking but it can be beaten if we adhere to health protocols and get vaccinated,” Leonardia added. — CGC
