DOH clarifies: Eyeglass-type face shields are okay

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

The Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD) clarified that other available variants of face shields are acceptable.

The department issued the clarification relative to Department Order No. 2020-0345 which set the suggested retail price for face shields which are now selling like hotcakes.

In its Press Release No. 25, the DOH-WV CHD said it recognizes the different styles and variations available in the market, including the eyeglass-type, which has been the common use as of late.

Confusion arose over varied interpretations of DO No. 2020-0345, issued on August 10, 2020 and signed by Secretary Francisco Duque III, which set the SRP for face shields between P26 and P50 apiece, with 10 percent mark-up for items sold in Visayas and Mindanao.

The DO also described the face shield covered by the SRP: made of clear plastic or acetate material, provides good visibility, fog resistant, adjustable band attached firmly around the head, fits snugly against the forehead, full face coverage, made of robust material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, and disposable or reusable.

The description pertained to the elastic headband-type face shield, which covers a wide area of the face in its sides, from the topmost of the forehead to a few inches just below the chin.

The description triggered negative reactions on social media from users who have already availed of the eyeglass-type face shields which cover only half of the forehead.

But the DOH said it did not prescribe the headband type as the only appropriate face shield to wear.

“Recognizing that there are different styles and variations of face shields available in the market, the DOH-WV CHD clarified that minimum standards or requirements/specifications are issued by the Health Department to ensure the device serves its purpose. If there are variations 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 the length of the face,” the DOH-WV CHD said in its press statement.

The DOH-WV CHD also reminded the public that face shields should be worn as companions to cloth or surgical face masks, not as a substitute.

The agency previously stated in a press conference that face shields are considered as a physical distancing measure.

“The DOH reiterates that face shields are used as an additional protective barrier especially when in public places where physical distancing is a challenge. Face shield should not be used as a substitute for face mask. The public is continuously reminded 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 statement said.

Face shields are in demand after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Aug 5, 2020 issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-014, mandating the wearing of face shields in all public transport, especially in areas with increased local cases of COVID-19, starting today, Aug 15.

Even the labor department ordered the mandatory wearing of face shields in workplaces which also takes effect today.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on Aug 7 also ordered public market vendors in the city and persons with transactions at the City Hall to wear face shields.