TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) – The Samar provincial government has issued an executive order requiring all residents to wear face shields outdoor on top of a face mask to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Samar Governor Michael Tan signed on Monday night executive order no. 41 as COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the province in the past few days.
“The wearing of full-face shield that should extend below the chin anteriorly and to the ears laterally, together with the wearing of face mask is hereby strictly imposed at all times when going out of the residence, or when going to any public places, offices – either public or private, when riding public transport vehicle, or when going to any places that invite mass gatherings,” Tan said in his directive.
The order, which takes effect starting Tuesday, will remain effective until amended, the governor said.
Tan cited a simulation study where face shields reduced virus exposure by 96 percent when coughing.
Even after 30 minutes, the protective effect exceeded 80 percent as face shields blocked 68 percent of small particles or aerosols.
The province has 518 active cases as of August 23. The provincial government is still consolidating reports on the number of recoveries.
Tan said the number of new cases in the past few days has been very alarming as a consequence of disregard of health protocols by some residents.