COVID Alert Level 4 areas may still enforce face shield mandate; use in all other areas lifted

Establishments in areas under Alert Level 4 are the only ones given the discretion to impose the mandatory use of face shields amid the lifting of the policy in areas under alert levels 1, 2, and 3.

This was clarified by Acting Presidential Spokesman Karlo Nograles in a press briefing Tuesday, Nov. 16, following the approval of President Duterte on the recommendation to lift the mandatory wearing of face shields in almost all areas in the country.

"Clearly sa memorandum ni ES Medialdea, sa level 4 lang po yung binibigyan ng (Clearly, the memorandum of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, show that those under level 4 are given the) discretion, otherwise it's voluntary for the users sa level 1, 2, and 3," Nograles said when asked if establishments in Alert Levels 1 to 3 can require the use of face shield.

The decision on whether to impose the mandatory wearing of face shields or not in areas under Alert Level 4 will be up to the concerned local government units (LGUs) and private establishments while the policy remains mandatory in areas under Alert Level 5 and granular lockdowns.

“Otherwise, it’s voluntary for the users. So sa Level 1,2,3 purely voluntary po yan. For establishments they’ll have to follow yung protocols natin,” said Nograles.

"Ibig sabihin personal choice po yan kung gusto mong gumamit ng face shield pagdating sa level 1, 2, and 3 (That means it is your personal choice if you still want to use face shield in areas under alert level 1, 2, and 3)," he added.

The government official also reiterated that face shield use is still mandatory in medical and quarantine facility settings, and shall still be required for healthcare workers in healthcare settings.