The Department of Health (DOH) clarifies that cyclists and other active transport users are not required to wear face shields.
According to DOH, people using active transports are not required to wear face shields due to its potential safety risks when used during active transport. They made the statement following “increasing reports of cyclists and other active transport users being arrested for not wearing face shields.”
The national government mandates wearing face shields as additional protection aside from wearing face masks to avoid getting infected by the COVID-19. People wear face shields on top of their face masks in public places.
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Under section II(B)(6) of DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0534, it was stated that “individuals engaged in strenuous activities/work, fine workmanship, operation of transportation vehicles, and active transport” are exempted from wearing face shields.
The DOH cited Section II (A) (5) of Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-0001 issued by various government agencies that provide classical rules on the mandatory use of face shields outside of residence for COVID-19 mitigation.
The JMC stated that “due to possible visual impairment brought about by the shields, bikers, and users of other forms of active transportation are excluded from the mandatory use of face shields outside their residence.”
JMC No. 2021-0001 was issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Trade and Industry (DTI), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Public Works and Highways, DOH, Philippine Sports Commission, and Board of Games and Amusement.
The Health Department said face shields should still be worn before and after cycling or other similar activities, in accordance with DOH-DOTr-DILG-DPWH Joint Administrative Order No. 2020-0001.
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