Philippine government makes face masks and shields mandatory in public

Confirmed coronavirus cases have been on the decline since August

A medical worker wearing personal protective equipment interviews a child queueing for free COVID-19 swab testing at a basketball court on 6 August, 2020 in Navotas city, Metro Manila, Philippines. Residents in the country will now be made to wear full face shields, as well as face masks when out in public (Getty Images)

The Philippines have introduced a new rule forcing everyone in the country to wear a face shield, as well as a face mask, while out in public.

Announcing the new rule on Tuesday, the Philippine government said that all people would be required to wear both. Previously, face shields had only been required in malls and enclosed areas, but now they will need to be worn at all times outside the house.

The decision comes with Christmas just over a week away, as the government prepares for a likely surge in coronavirus cases due to the festivities. 

Read more: Philippines targets 60 million for vaccination

Mr Roque said the measure was being taken for “additional protection to avoid a surge”.

“It won’t be required if it is not good for our health,” he said. 

The number of confirmed cases in the Philippines has steadily been declining since peaking in August.

On Tuesday, the country’s Department of Health reported 1,135 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country up to 451,839.

Already, Philippines residents are expected to comply with a number of coronavirus measures to help lower case numbers further, including limiting their activity outside their homes and practicing social distancing. 

Gatherings of more than 10 people are also banned in areas that have faced lockdown measures.