Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said the public can remove face shields outdoors since COVID-19 transmission risk in open spaces is low.
“‘Yung face shields, kakailanganin naman talaga ‘yan ‘pag nasa indoor ka, nasa mall ka, or ‘pag may interaction ka face to face inside,” he said during the Laging Handa briefing.
(Face shields are needed when you’re indoors, in a mall, or having a face-to-face interaction inside.)
“Pero ‘pag nasa outside naman, kasi alam naman natin ang risk of transmission is very low, at lalong lalo na kapag naglalakad ka lang sa kalye o kaya nagtatrabaho ka, kasi makaka-affect ‘yung moist nito so puwede niyo tanggalin ‘yan,” he added.
(But when you’re outside, we know that the risk of transmission is very low. Especially when you’re walking along the street or working, the moisture can really affect you so you can remove it.)
Some senators have also criticized the government’s continued mandate to wear the face shield, which some officials have recently criticized, such as Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Face shields can be removed outdoors: DOH
Senate President Tito Sotto asked, didn’t the Department of Health (DOH) think of stopping it, especially since there is no in-depth study on it?
“Have you considered the discontinuing of face shield? Because until now, there are no scientific study on the efficacy of face shield? Hindi ba sa mga hospital lang dapat ginagamit ang face shield?” Sotto asked DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Duque explained that everyone should wear it but there is no severe punishment for those who do not comply.
“All persons are mandated to wear facial protection… Pero as I’ve said, sir, wala hong penal provision kung hindi po sumunod,” said Duque.
This is also the view of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.
“Sa minimum health standards, wearing of masks po talaga ‘yung required. ‘Yung face shield is just to provide added protection… Sa ating LGUs, sa ating ordinances makikita natin, wala pong penalty provision for the face shield, but only for not wearing the mask,” said Año.
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