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SEN. Pia Cayetano, warning against the high risk of accidents, called for the exemption of runners and cyclists from the Inter-institutional Working Group (IATF) on the management of emerging infectious diseases, the imposition of mandatory face shields to contain the spread of the deadly Covid-19 . .
“I join the cycling community in expressing concern for the safety of wearing a face shield while biking,” Cayetano, also a cyclist, issued the appeal Wednesday.
Citing her experience as a cyclist on the road, the senator, known for being a health aficionado, added: “I know how important it is to be fully aware of your surroundings.”
He warned that a face shield could drastically affect vision and perception of space.
In a statement, the administration senator asked the IATF to consider exempting both cyclists and runners from wearing face shields.
“In addition, recognizing the role of exercise in promoting mental and physical health, I also ask the IATF to exempt runners from the requirement to jog in open spaces, as long as they observe measures of social distancing,” said Cayetano.
The senator emphasized that “as a cyclist, I am very concerned about the safety of fellow cyclists who must wear face shields,” warning that “this could drastically affect their vision and perception of space, which can lead to accidents.”
Earlier this week, Malacañang spokesman Atty. Harry Roque Jr. said that the use of face shields while jogging or cycling is not yet being applied pending an evaluation and review by the appropriate authorities.
Roque said that runners or cyclists can continue their activities wearing only face masks.
The Department of Health, the Department of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Labor and Employment and other government agencies, he said, will issue consolidated advice to the public on the proper use of face shields when leaving residences, including the inclusion or exemption, as needed. appropriate.
It was Joint Task Force Covid Shield Commander Cesar Hawthorne Binag, not the IATF, who announced that runners and cyclists should wear face shields on top of their face masks. Binag was a former president of the Philippine Table Tennis Association.
