ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Jocelyn Tulfo calls on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to dismiss the “one size fit all” policy after requiring the masses to wear full face shields.
Citing that it was the same group who implemented motorcycle barriers, the lawmaker urged the IATF to exempt cyclists, runners, and scooter riders since face masks are enough to protect them from the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
“Abandon the “one size fits all” policy. Stop using “bazooka” and “shotgun” solutions to these COVID-19 situations requiring calibration, logic, reason, and plain common sense,” she said.
“The warfare soldiers and police officers know is not the approach we need against COVID-19. The science of epidemiology is what our country needs to use now. The science underlying road safety and sports physiology are needed.”
“Most certainly, require the full face shields in public places and indoor spaces where walking people gather, but not and never on our roads,” she added.
Many Filipinos have turned to cycling ever since the community quarantine was imposed in the country and the road sector observed restrictions. Because of this, the country has been gradually adapting to this new mode of transportation. This includes the installation of bike lanes among local government units (LGU).
According to Tulfo, face shields will only bring harm to the riders due to the strong winds and is more appropriate for those who travel on foot.
“The very least the IATF can do it to consult road safety experts, leaders of the cycling community and cycling sports associations, and the cyclists, runners, and scooter riders—many of whom are health care frontliners, informal sector workers, government employees, and factory workers,” she recommended.
Initially, face masks and face shields are only required when entering malls or using public transportation. Now, it is required everytime residents leave their homes.
Those who will disobey shall face a penalty that will depend on the LGU.