FILE PHOTO: People wearing face masks and face shields. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — A Makabayan lawmaker wants the government to work with independent researchers in conducting a further study on the efficacy of face shields against COVID-19 transmission.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) was also urged to find “alternative safety measures” if there is decreased protection with the long-term wearing of face shields.
“Though face shields provide protection against short-term exposure, it was also revealed that long-term wearing would expose the wearer to the air particles that the face shield caught, including possible COVID-19 virus particles,” House Resolution No. 2001 read.
HR 2001 was filed by Kabataan Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, who called on the DOH and the IATF to work with independent researchers in studying the efficacy of face shields against COVID-19.
Elago cited a study by an engineer, Joshua Agar, who observed that the face shield creates vortices, which become catch basins of various particles present in the air, including COVID-19 virus particles.
The government has required the wearing of face shields in public places and public transport since last year as an added countermeasure against COVID-19 transmission.
Some Filipinos have complained of difficulties posed by face shields, such as distorted vision or depth perception that may endanger a person while in motion.
President Duterte initially nixed the use of face shields except in hospital settings, but the IATF recommended its continued use especially in indoor settings where there is poor ventilation.
The President eventually retained the mandatory use of face shields in public places and on public transport.
Last June, Senate President Vicente Sotto III filed Senate Resolution No. 757 directing the Senate committee of the whole to investigate the efficacy of face shields in preventing COVID-19 infection.