A Department of Health (DOH) official on Wednesday said face shields may be removed in outdoor settings where transmission is “very low.”
During the June 16 Laging Handa briefing, DOH Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said face shields are required when indoors, especially where there is face-to-face interaction among individuals.
“Pero kapag nasa outside naman, kasi alam naman natin ang risk of transmission is very low, at lalung-lalo na kapag naglalakad ka lang sa kalye o kaya nagtatrabaho kasi mag-a-affect iyong moist nito… pwede ninyo hong tanggalin iyan,” Vega said.
“Pero kapag pumasok kayo sa mga indoors ho, kailangan may face shields kasi ito iyong added protection na hindi kayo maka-transmit o mahawaan kayo,” he added.
The DOH on April 8 released Memorandum No. 2020-05341 which exempts from using face shields “individuals engaged in strenuous activities/work, fine workmanship, operation of transportation vehicles, and active transport.”
Several lawmakers and local leaders previously questioned the mandatory wearing of face shields, saying it is only an added financial burden to the public and that there is lack of evidence to support its effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised to regularly disinfect protective equipment such as face shields by using gloves and a clean cloth or wipes with detergent solution. – Report from Sweeden Velado-Ramirez / AG – jlo
