One expert insisted that the government should study their policy of requiring the public to wear face shields outside their homes.
According to infectious disease expert Benjamin Co, although the face shield is extra protection against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), he thinks it is more difficult to breathe with it.
He also said that it might cause an accident, especially for cyclists.
“It can be steamed, fogged up. When it happens, you won’t be able to see what’s in front of you, and it can cause accidents,” Co said.
It is recommended to wear a face shield with clear plastic as opposed to colored ones or tint.
Wearing a face mask and face shield is not recommended for children two years old and below. Co advised that it is better to avoid crowded places and not let the children go outside if necessary.
For Co, the government should clarify where and when to use the face shield.
Mandatory use of face shield should be studied – expert
“I think they should review the recommendations. You allow people to bike, run, exercise, move around, then you must make sure that whatever policies we make is aligned with whatever is allowable,” said Co.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the IATF will discuss clarifications when wearing face masks.
Co stressed that the mandatory use of face shields should not be seen as a solution because there is no supply of vaccines in the country yet.
“Equipment alone will not protect us from COVID-19, even with the face shield and face mask, it’s important to follow guidelines to protect us from the coronavirus infection. We are afraid of a surge in 2021. But even if there is a vaccine, I don’t think the numbers would go down automatically after the implementation of the vaccine. It will take quite some time,” said Co.
Co recently said that intensifying immediate results in testing, isolation, and treatment is still a priority to ultimately reduce the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.