(UPDATE) Employees reporting physically for work must wear face shields starting Aug. 15, Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III told reportr on Wednesday. Face shields will also be required in public transportation on the same day.
The additional protection will prevent employees from contracting the virus through their eyes, Bello said. Face masks only cover the mouth. The labor chief the requirement will apply in all areas, regardless of quarantine classification.
Those who fail to comply will be punished, Bello was quoted as saying in media reports.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Trade Undersecretary Irineo Vizmonte said employers should pay for their workers' face shields. Employees in frontline industries will also be required to get tested for COVID-19 every three months, while bigger companies and smaller establishments must have isolation areas and a referral system, respectively.
