ILOILO City – For some local chief executives (LCEs) in Western Visayas, there’s an added protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should people wear face shields in public.
They were reacting to a tweet by Senate President Vicente Sotto III stating President Rodrigo Duterte agreed that the use face shields is for hospitals only.
“Last night, the President agreed that face shields should only be used in hospitals. Allowed us to remove ours! [Attention] DOH (Department of Health)!” tweeted Sotto Thursday morning.
While there are places where face shields are not needed, “an additional covering is really good,” said Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
“Kon kaisa may lugar nga kon ara ka man lang sa atubangan sang balay ninyo or waay damo tawo puede man wala (face shield) or kon nagalakat ikaw sa open space… Pero lain ‘na ‘ya kon nagasakay ikaw sa jeep, sa gutok nga tindihan…mas maayo gid magsuksok, or halimbawa mag bisita sa ospital,” Defensor added.
Antique’s Gov. Rhodora Cadiao echoed Defensor’s position.
“Kon ako lang dapat talaga may face shield pero it should not be mandatory. Ako maski sabihin nila nga indi mag-face shield, mag-face shield talaga ako,” Cadiao told Panay News.
She added that the public would be safer when they observe social distancing, wear of facemasks and face shields and wash or sanitize hands frequently.
With the strict implementation of the provincial government, Cadiao noted that almost all Antiqueños are wearing face shields outdoors.
“Hindi sila makapasok kon wala sang suksok sa grocery (stores) tapos indi makasakay sa jeepneys. So, sa akin hindi ko sia i-mandatory but just an appeal na gumamit ng face shield para may doble kayo na protection,” Cadiao added.
On the other hand, Guimaras’ Vice Gov. John Edward Gando said it is up to the public whether they would use face shields or not.
“Kon sa akon ti ang face shield is added protection. Just give it to the concerned individual whether to use or to utilize face shield,” he said.
Wearing of face shield is not mandatory in Guimaras, he said, pointing out that the provincial government’s primary focus is the other minimum health standards – wearing of facemasks, social distancing and hand washing.
Meanwhile, Department of Health secretary Francisco Duque III said they would still appeal for the continued implementation of the wearing of face shields.
“Of course we will follow PRRD’s directive but I believe we can still appeal,” Duque replied to Sotto’s tweet./PN
