Bacolod Continues to Implement Mandatory Use of Face Shields Outdoors

The mandatory use of face shields outdoors is still imposed in Bacolod City. Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte stated that Filipinos are no longer required to use face shields outdoors, but only in places identified as closed, crowded, and close contact or the 3Cs. [1 ] Despite this announcement, Chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Laws, Councilor Dindo Ramos, still stressed that Bacolod City could implement otherwise. Ramos stated that as long as local ordinances do not conflict with the national law, the mandate is still effective and imposed.

Local legislators can coordinate with health experts if they would want to amend directives in the city. “The President’s declaration is not a law. It is only his personal opinion,” Ramos further said. [2] He also emphasized that the President’s announcement is only applicable to local government units that do not have local ordinances concerning using face shields and face masks.

The City Ordinance 944, the Face mask, Face Shield, and Social Distancing Ordinance of Bacolod City, was recently approved by the City Council. [3] All individuals exposed in public places are required to properly wear face masks, as Section 3 of CO 944 states. This policy is also imposed on passengers or persons in public or private vehicles, including persons working in offices or other places where the public is exposed. [4] Mandatory wearing of face shields and face masks are still in actual implementation when entering malls, supermarkets, public markets, work meetings, establishments with businesses, inside private and government offices, and public transportations.

If a person fails to follow the proper use of face masks, face shields and observes proper health protocols such as social distancing, the person who violates shall be penalized with eight hours of community volunteer work and a penalty of PhP200 for every violation. If a violator is not a resident of Bacolod City, he shall be penalized with a fine of PhP300.

As per an official statement from the Department of Health, the government sector reiterates that face shields give an extra layer of protection against the virus, and the use of face masks. [5] These health protocols, along with other minimum public health standards such as regular washing of hands, observing social distancing, and proper ventilation in closed spaces, are helpful preventions that will help reduce the risk of transmission and getting infected with the virus.

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Bacolod!