WHO looking into PH’s experience in face shield policy

PLASTIC PROTECTION Commuters with face masks and
face shields ride a bus in Quezon City. —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking into the Philippines’ experience in requiring the use of face shields.

WHO country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said Tuesday that “face shields are being used to reduce the likelihood of infection through the eyes, and so that’s not actually additional layer although it actually boosts the protection provided by poor mask wearing practices.”

He noted that the Philippines is one of the few countries that require the wearing of face shields.

“So at this point in time we have been looking at the Philippine experience. The Philippines is one of few countries that advocates the wearing of face shields in addition to masks,” he said.

“It’s interesting that we have also been able to sort of delay the speed at which the Delta variant is spreading and we don’t know whether the face shields are contributory factor, so while we are understanding all of these issues, it’s best to look for evidence and make decisions based on that,” he added.

The wearing of face shields in public places and public transportation has been required since last year. However, some doctors have called for a review of the policy on wearing face shields, saying that the protective equipment—particularly the hospital-grade variety—work only in hospital settings or in indoor and poorly ventilated areas.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier retained the mandatory use of face shields in public places and public transport after the pandemic task force recommended its continuous use especially in indoor settings where there is poor ventilation.

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