Pangasinan gov't orders mandatory wearing of face shield

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, September 25 (PIA) - The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has ordered the mandatory wearing of face shield of all public commuters and drivers, and employees of both government and non-government offices including commercial establishments in the province during the period of community quarantine or until lifted.

The Provincial Ordinance No. 242-2020, authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Margielou Orange Humilde-Versoza, stated that the wearing of face shield is an important tool to reduce or stop the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) particularly when used by the general public within a locality.

"The wearing of a face shield is on top of other health protocols imposed by the national and local authorities such as the wearing of masks and observance of physical distancing," the ordinance stated.

Under Section 3.A of the ordinance face shield is defined as a clear plastic shield covering the entire front of face which can serve as a protection or barrier against possible infection from COVID-19.

"Any person who fails to wear a face shield: a) if public driver or public commuter while inside the public utility vehicle; and b) if employee of both government and private offices while in the performance of one's employment duty, shall be meted penalties," Section 3 of the ordinance reads.

First offenders shall be fined P1,000 and/or shall attend awareness campaigns on COVID-19 for at least three hours as conducted by barangays and other local government offices.

Second offenders shall be fined P2,500 or an imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both at the discretion of the courts.

Third and subsequent offenders shall be fined P5,000 or an imprisonment of not more than six months or both at the discretion of the courts.

"Any person apprehended for violation of this ordinance who does not wish to contest the violation and is willing to pay voluntarily the penalty imposed upon him or her to the filing of formal complaint shall be allowed to pay the said fine with the Treasurer's office to avoid being prosecuted," Section 4 of the ordinance said.

Stated in Section 5 of the ordinance, the Philippine National Police in coordination with barangay officials and other force multipliers are mandated to enforce the full extent of this ordinance. (JCR/AMB/JNPD/EMA/PIA Pangasinan)