President Duterte announced on September 23, 2021, wearing a face shield outdoors will no longer be imposed but will be required in certain situations and establishments.
In his pre-recorded Talk to the Nation, Duterte said that face shields can be removed outside but will still be required in close, crowded, and close contact (3 C’s) situations base on the recommendation by the experts.
“I was informed of the recommendation from the technical advisory group and medical experts that the use of face shield on top of face masks may be limited to high-risk activities under the 3 C’s; close, crowded pati close contact… Puwede na tanggalin sa labas. No more face shields outside,” he said
“‘Yun ang recommendation. Labas sa tatlong limitations, puwede nang hindi gumamit. Ay ‘yun ang recommendation, ‘yun ang masunod,” he added.
He also stated that the 3 C’s situation such as public transportation or enclosed facilities is more dangerous hence wearing a face shield will still be required.
“Ang limitasyon ang face shield gamitin mo 3 C’s, close whatever facility [such as] ospital basta magkadikit dikit. Crowded ganun din. Its a crowded room tapos close lahat mas delikado…so diyan applicable pa rin ang face shield,” Duterte explained.
“Other than that, I have ordered…that we accept the recommendation itong executive department. Just remember ‘yung bawal, the 3 C’s; crowded, close, and close contact,” he said.
According to the president, the guidelines for the new mandate will be released by the national government immediately.