ILOILO City – Starting today, wearing of face shields on top of face masks is now mandatory for all employees reporting to work and passengers of any mode of public transportation.
This measure, according to authorities, is an added layer of protection to stem further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Yesterday, the Department of Health specified the standards for face shields following confusion raised by the public.
Recognizing that there are different styles and variations of face shields available in the market, DOH regional director Dr. Marlyn Convocar clarified that non-medical grade face shield or the one used in public settings should cover the whole face of the person wearing it.
The other DOH-recommended specifications were the following:
* made of clear plastic or acetate material
* provides good visibility
* fog resistant
* adjustable band attached firmly around the head
* fits snuggly against the forehead
* full face coverage
* made of robust material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected
* disposable or re-usable
Some face shields available in the market are visor-type ones which only cover the eyes.
“If there are variation such as the eyeglass-type face shield, these can be considered acceptable as long as it meets the recommended requirement that it should completely cover the full face including the sides and length of the face,” according to Convocar.
Face shield, however, should not be used as a substitute for face mask, she stressed.
Convocar said that physical distancing, use of face mask and face shield should be observed to protect one’s self from the risk of virus transmission.
The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales.
These droplets also land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
The health official also said that the suggested retail price for non-medical grade face shields is between P26 and P50, but 10 percent may be added on top of the SRP if the distributors are from Visayas and Mindanao.
Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment required employees to wear face shields, along with face masks, at all times in their places of work to reduce their risk of catching or spreading the COVID-19.
The Transportation Department also said face shields should also be worn by people using mass transit systems./PN
