BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The eyeglass-type face shield is acceptable as long as it meets the recommended requirement of completely covering the face, including the sides and length of the face, a press release from the Department of Health office in Western Visayas said.
DOH regional director Dr. Marlyn Convocar also encourages the use of face shields in all public settings and public transportation, especially in areas with increased local cases of confirmed COVID-19, and clarified the use of face shields and its variations.
Convocar said the DOH issued Department Memorandum No. 0345 on August 10 providing the suggested retail price (SRP) for emergency essential medicines and medical devices including face shields.
The SRP for non-medical grade face shield for community use was between P26 and P50, with the following specifications: clear plastic or acetate material, provides good visibility, fog resistant, adjustable band attached firmly around the head, fit snuggly against the forehead, full face coverage, made of robust material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, disposable or re-usable, she said.
Recognizing that there are different styles and variations of face shield in the market, the DOH WV clarified that minimum standards or requirements are issued by the DOH to ensure that the device serves its purpose.
If there are variations such as the eyeglass-type face shield, these can be considered acceptable as long as they meet the recommended requirements, Convocar said.
The DOH reiterated 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, she said.
The public is continually reminded the public that physical distancing, use of face masks and face shields should be observe to protect one’s self from the risk of virus transmission, Convocar added.*
