DOTr: Face shields required for PUV passengers starting Aug. 15

MANILA: The DOTr (Department of Transportation) is implementing the compulsory use of a face shield for every passenger of PUVs (public utility vehicles) starting August 15.

This was initiated to reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 virus after Metro Manila and several provinces were placed in MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) again in August 4.

“Sa mga kababayan ’ho natin, huwag sana nating isipin na panibagong gastusin o dagdag abala ang pag-require natin sa paggamit ng face shield (To my countrymen, let us not think that the requirement of using a face shield is an added expense or burden). Let us remember that no amount of protection is too much when it comes to health and safety, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy. What we are addressing is not a transport issue but rather a health issue. Kaya nga ‘ho hinihingi ko ang kooperasyon ng bawat isa (Which is why I am asking for each one’s cooperation),” said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.

All officials and heads of various transportation sectors have been instructed to strictly implement the use of face shields in public transportation via an interagency memo released on August 4, 2020.

This applies to all passengers at airports, seaports, trains, and road vehicles.

“Ipatutupad po natin ang mandatong ito sa lahat ng pampublikong sasakyan tulad ng sa mga tren, bus, jeepney, taxi, passengers vessels at maging sa eroplano (We will implement this mandate for public vehicles like trains, bus, jeep, taxi, passenger vessels, and airplanes). I will not elaborate more on the practical benefits the face shield offers, but we know that the use of face coverings and masks for superior protection is adopted widely,” said DOTr Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs Artemio Tuazon Jr.

Face shields that will be used must sufficiently cover the nose and mouth of the user.

“Mayroon po kasing mga tinatawag na visor, goggles, o ‘yung iba pang protective eyewear that only encloses the eye area (There is something call a visor, goggles, or other types of protective eyewear that covers the eyes). We advise that our passengers use the ones that cover the whole face. It’s actually meant as a redundancy of the protection of the face mask,” added Usec. Tuazon.

Photo by Eric Tipan

Also read: Solo motorists can drive sans masks, just keep window closed