Wearing of Face Shields is Now Mandatory in Baguio City

The fight against COVID-19 continues. Local government units worldwide are unceasingly implementing strict safety protocols and guidelines to keep their residents safe and protected as they leave the comfort of their homes. In Baguio City, one of its new protocols is the mandatory wearing of face shields.

Along with face masks, people should also wear face shields as protective gear for the face against droplets that can carry the virus. Now that the Summer Capital amended its existing ordinance about the protective equipment read and find out the new law’s do’s and dont’s.

The City Government of Baguio amended its ordinance that requires its residents to wear both face masks and face shields outside their homes. Baguio City Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Aileen Refuerzo said that the province’s legislative body approved the final reading of Ordinance no. 49, series of 2021, which amended the existing Ordinance no. 45-2020 known as the Face Mask Ordinance in the City of Baguio.

The amended ordinance states that all residents must wear face masks and face shields when leaving their houses. Now, it is against the law for people, including tourists and outsiders, to visit public places, buildings, national roads, highways, sidewalks, walkways, and public conveyances without their face masks and shields. Careless disposal of the protective equipment is also a violation of the ordinance.

Transactions with anyone without a face mask and face shield in public markets, supermarkets, groceries, shopping malls and centers, and government offices prohibit under the ordinance. Employees may only remove their protective equipment when their job doesn’t require face-to-face interaction with clients, visitors, and co-employees. Provided that social distancing must strictly observe and there must be a glass or plastic barrier between the transacting parties.

The LGU will also implement a “no face mask and face shield, no ride” policy in all public transport vehicles. Hoarding, profiteering, or manipulating the prices of the protective equipment is unlawful under the new ordinance. The LGU shall penalize violators with PhP1,000 for the first offense, PhP2,000 for the second offense, and PhP3,000 and cancellation of business permit (if applicable) for the third offense. A penalty of PhP500 to PhP2,000 shall be charged for the non-wearing of face shields and face masks.

The exceptions from the ordinance are as follows:

1 Infants below two years old.

2. When eating or drinking in public places.

3. When wearing the protective equipment obstructs the physical and sensory functions of persons with disability (PWD).

4. And where patients have been advised by their doctors against wearing face shields due to a particular medical condition.

5. Those who engage in physical activities including jogging, running, biking, and aerobics are also exempted, provided that physical distancing should strictly observe; and where the wearing of face shields directly cause hazard or impede vision or mobility while working or driving vehicles.

For more details about the new ordinance, visit the official Facebook page of the Public Information Office of the City of Baguio.

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