MANILA — The Department of Health on Friday said that people “actively exercising” outdoors may choose to wear a face shield instead of a face mask.

“For persons engaging in physical activities, only those who are actively exercising may be allowed not to wear masks subject to the observance of at least two (2) meters of physical distancing from other people,” Dr. Beverly Ho, director of the DOH Promotion and Communications Service, said during a televised briefing.

“In the absence of face masks during the physical activity, wearing a face shield is strongly recommended,” she added.

A face shield is a kind of personal protective equipment that is made of clear plastic and adds additional protection against transmission of the COVID-19 virus through droplets.

The wearing of face masks especially during rigorous exercise has long been an issue because of concerns that people won’t be able to breathe properly.

Some doctors have said that it is not advisable.

Under the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution no. 38, outdoor and non-contact sports are allowed in areas such as Metro Manila that are under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

The resolution states that “outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian and skateboarding are allowed. Provided, that the minimum public health standards such as the wearing of masks and the maintenance of social distancing protocols, and no sharing of equipment where applicable, are observed.”