Mayor Rex Gatchalian has signed Executive Order No. 2020–347 exempting solo bikers from wearing face shields while biking in Valenzuela City, effective Monday (Dec. 21).
Evidence shows and consultation among bikers reveals that biking while wearing a face shield is dangerous, Gatchalian said. On the experience of bikers, wearing a face shield obstructs the view, hampers their vision especially when there is a buildup of sweat and moisture within the shield itself, and makes breathing difficult.
The Department of Health (DOH) also suggests exempting solo cyclists from the mandatory wearing of face shields, considering that oxygen is needed for any form of exercise.
“This Executive Order aims to increase mobility, productivity, and safety of the cyclists and to prevent danger to the biker while biking alone in Valenzuela City,” Gatchalian said.
In exceptional circumstances, bikers must observe strict social and physical distancing, must not personally be engaged in face-to-face interaction with others, and must wear face shields when entering public places, he added.
Implementing authorities are Valenzuela City Police Office, Punong Barangay and their authorized personnel, Task Force Disiplina (TFD), Public Order and Safety Group (POSG).
“All other issuances of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the DOH, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), the local COVID- 19 Inter-Agency Task Force, and all relevant City Ordinances will have a suppletory application to this Executive Order,” the mayor said.
Gatchalian encourages Valenzuelanos to continuously observe safety protocols and follow the laws implemented by the local government to fight the COVID- 19 pandemic and that will help eliminate the active cases in the city.