The Department of Health (DOH) is considering the recommendation to exempt solo-riding cyclists from wearing face shields on top of masks in public areas as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) restrictions remain.
The Health Department made this statement after the public and some experts raised their concerns about cyclists and other people wearing full-face shields while doing physical activities.
“When you do exercises you require oxygen so nung nagpalabas atin itong nabanggit sa face masks kung hindi naman kaya as long as you are alone at mag-isa ka sa bisikleta and you are not in the crowded area,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
“So itong nagfa-face shield when you do your biking ating pag-uusapan. Pero nakikita natin na we can consider this as long as alone sila at nagbibisikleta at ‘pag tumigil na sila at pumunta sa matataong lugar kailangan na nilang magsuot,” she added.
Vergeire further explained that they would also be considerate especially for sick people who are having a hard time breathing while wearing a face shield, and also for motorists driving alone.
“Ang sinasabi natin mag-face shield kayo especially when you are interacting with other people and when you are going in places that are crowded,” she said.
The DOH is scheduled to release a joint administrative order with other agencies showing the guidelines for the use of face shields while in public.
Meanwhile, National Task Force for COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez said that the task force will be planning and deliberating the details of the order on Monday. RJ Espartinez