Who and when should one use personal protective equipment such as face masks, face shields, gloves and the like?

1. All persons shall wear well-fitted face masks and face shields, if necessary, especially in public areas and enclosed spaces.
2. Mandatory use of a face shield on top of face masks shall be done in high risk activities under the 3C’s (Closed, Crowded, and Close Contact) framework.

These 3C’s settings and activities shall include:

  • Indoor activities and settings, especially when there is crowding or higher risk of exposure or  close contact based on the nature of activities, as applicable. These may include activities in commercial establishments and public transport, among others.
  • Indoor and outdoor dining, except during actual eating of meals.
  • Indoor and outdoor gatherings or crowded settings, especially when one (1) meter physical distance is not possible. These may include, but not limited to, indoor and outdoor commercial establishments such as food establishments, malls, and public markets, and transport terminals and PUV stops.
  • Indoor and outdoor activities that promote close contact, such as personal care services, among others.
  • Other activities not otherwise specified that follow the 3C’s framework
  • All other activities identified by the IATF-EID in succeeding issuances which can be accessed through this link: tinyurl.com/IATFResolution
  • The voluntary use of a face shield on top of face masks is recommended in other settings not otherwise stated, especially in Alert 3, 4, and 5 areas.

3. Medical grade masks are recommended for healthcare workers, vulnerable populations (elderly, with comorbidities, immunocompromised),  all persons with any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (even if mild), and the general population in high transmission risk settings based on their community risk or nature of work.

4. All persons with any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, even if mild, as well as vulnerable populations (elderly, with comorbidities,
immunocompromised), shall wear a medical-grade mask. Use of cloth face masks is not recommended in view of rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. However, if a medical grade mask or surgical mask is unavailable, wearing of two cloth masks could be an alternative.

5. Individuals who are at risk of suffocation (children under the age of two, persons with breathing problems, persons who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove their mask on their own) are not recommended to wear masks. As an alternative, they may wear well-fitted face shields instead. Per CDC recommendation, well- fitted face shields should wrap around the sides of the face and extend below the chin.

6. Gloves and other appropriate PPE shall be used in performing activities such as cleaning and disinfection.