The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is now requiring people who are allowed to leave their homes to wear a combination of face masks and face shields to avoid a spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases as the holiday season approaches.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said on Tuesday the measure will “effectively lessen the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019.”

Previously, the IATF required that a face mask and face shield be worn only when riding public transportation and entering malls.

Roque also said the full face shields must be used, or those that can cover from the forehead to the chin. He said this taking into account face shields that only cover the eyes or up to the mouth.

Various types of face shields are available in the market with the most affordable priced at around P20 per piece. There are those who also prefer to wear the face shields used by welders, which are priced from P200 upwards.

At present, individuals from 18 to 65 years old in areas under general community quarantine. CURRENTPH