Cyclists and joggers now also required to wear face shield, says COVID task force commander
Cyclists and joggers also need to wear a face shield in accordance with a new government regulation aimed to stem the number of COVID-19 cases this holiday season.
Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield commander Lt. Gen. Cesar Binag said in an interview with CNN Philippines that there are no exemptions to the rule mandating people to wear a face shield once they step outside of their homes.
"Ang general rule kasi outside residence dapat mayroon," said Binag. "Mag-stick tayo sa general rule na 'yun."
"Kasi ang sabi niyan is DOH, kami naman is taga-enforce lang," added Binag, who took over the post as JTF COVID Shield Commander last month.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases announced the mandatory wearing of face shields yesterday, Dec. 16. The government said the rule was aimed to curb a feared rise in cases this holiday season as more people go out for reunions and gatherings.
Last August, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said cyclists were not covered by a memorandum requiring the wearing of face shields for public transport.
Last June, the DOTr and the Department of Health also issued a statement supporting the growth of cycling as a form of active transport during and after the pandemic.