The city government will soon enforce the Face Mask and Face Shield Ordinance of 2021 following the completion of the approval of its amendment of Ordinance No. 45-2020 or the Face Mask Ordinance of Baguio City by incorporating the face shield requirement by the city council last April 5.
The amended ordinance now also regulates the indiscriminate disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the city.
The measure declares it unlawful for all persons including tourists and outsiders who leave their homes to go to public places, buildings, national roads or highway, sidewalks, walkways, or public conveyances or other similar establishments, without wearing face mask and face shield until the threat of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is completely eliminated in the country or during the State of Public Health Emergency.
This however is subject to exceptions.
Face masks will not be required to be worn in the following circumstances:
* Infants and children who are two (2) years old and below;
* When eating or drinking in public places; and
* Where the wearing of face masks impedes physical and sensory functioning of Persons with Disability (PWDs).
Face shields will not be required to be worn in the following circumstances:
* Infants and children who are two (2) years old and below;
* When eating or drinking in public places;
* Where patients have been advised by their physicians against wearing face shields due to a particular medical condition;
* Where the wearing of face shields impedes physical and sensory functioning of Persons with Disability (PWDs);
* While engaged in activities that require physical exertion such as brisk walking, jogging, running, biking, aerobic exercises, and other forms of physical exercise provided that physical distancing is strictly observed; and
* Where the wearing of face shields directly cause hazard or impede vision or mobility while in the conduct of work or while driving vehicles.
The ordinance also prohibits transacting business with any person not wearing a face mask and a face shield, they may momentarily remove their face shields where the conduct of their work does not involve face to face or person to person interaction with clients, customers, visitors or co-employees and provided that social or physical distancing is observed and/or the presence of a plastic barrier in between the transacting parties.
Penalties are as follows:
For non-wearing of face mask: first offense — ₱ 1,000; second offense — ₱ 2,000; third offense — ₱ 3,000 and cancellation of business permit if applicable.
For non-wearing of face shield and indiscriminate disposal of used or damaged face masks and face shields: first offense — P 500; second offense — ₱ 1,000; third offense — ₱ 2,000 and cancellation of business permit if applicable.
If the violator is a minor, the parent or guardian will be assessed the corresponding fine.
(Aileen P. Refuerzo, photo courtesy by Joseph Manzano, RPN DZBS Baguio OIC)
