Baguio requires face shields

BAGUIO CITY – The city government has required face shield for city employees while on duty as added protection against Covid-19 aside from face masks. 

Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued executive order 118 s 2020  mandating all workers, employees particularly receiving personnel in business establishments, banks and government offices in the city  should use face shields  while performing their duties  effective August 5.

This, after number of Covid-19 cases in the city increased due to eased restrictions with implementation of modified general community quarantine and expanded testing of city folks.

The city government urged local folks to be vigilant, and take precautions to protect themselves and those around them from transmission of Covid-19.  

Preventive measures include mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing and constant proper washing or disinfecting of hands and frequently touched surfaces or materials.

“Extra vigilance must be had in areas where there is constant person to person interaction, especially in enclosed spaces, such as business establishments, banks, and government offices. Although minimum public health standards are prescribed by national health authorities to limit risk transmission, additional measures as such the use of face shields or transparent physical barriers must be implemented,” the EO stated.

Primary reason for the face shield requirement among workers is to avoid aerosolized transmission through person-to-person interaction. Employees are allowed momentary breaks from face shield usage when they are not physically interacting with their clients or co-workers.

Magalong earlier issued EO 93 that mandates all workers, employees and vendors in the public market, satellite markets, supermarkets, grocery stores, and drivers of public utility vehicles to further wear face shields, face masks, and hand gloves.

Meanwhile, Magalong requested the Department of Trade and Industry Baguio-Benguet Office to closely monitor movements in prices of face shields in the city.

This after the mayor received reports that face shield costs had skyrocketed following his order on the mandatory wearing of the facial protective gear among workers in the city.

For overpriced face shields and other products sold online, please report  to DTI CAR at  telephone numbers (074) 442 7859, (074) 442 8634, and  DTI Baguio: (074) 665 3526.

The requirement on use of face shield was mandated following announcement of the Department of Transportation that all passengers using any mode of public transportation throughout the country  are required to wear face shields, aside from face masks  effective August 15 -- PIA CAR