Sotto Cites Duterte, Seeks Easing of Face Shield Rules

Senate President Tito Sotto said Thursday President Rodrigo Duterte allowed him to take his face shield off during a meeting the night before, as he urged the Department of Health to revisit the policy on facial coverings.

Duterte, according to Sotto, agreed that face shields should only be worn inside hospitals. There was no immediate statement from Malacañang.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno earlier sought the easing of face shield regulations, saying these should only be used in hospitals.

On Wednesday, Health Usec. Leopoldo Vega said face shields may no longer be necessary when outdoors. As a response, the DOH reminded the public that full-coverage face shields should be worn at all times in these areas:

• enclosed public spaces
• schools
• workplaces
• commercial establishments such as but not limited to food establishments, malls, and public markets
• places of worship
• other public spaces wherein one meter physical distancing is not possible and there is a gathering of more than 10 people at the same venue at the same time

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