More LGUs drop face shield requirement

More local government units have made the wearing of face shields optional, but experts warned that totally ignoring minimum health protocols could lead to a surge in COVID-19 infections anew.

The cities of General Santos and Cebu joined Manila, IloIlo, and Davao in the list of cities where face shields are no longer required, except in some places such as hospitals, according to a "24 Oras" report by Maki Pulido.

The Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet on Thursday, November 11 to firm up its recommendation on the matter.

In General Santos, residents are only required to wear face shields inside hospitals and clinics, while residents of Cebu are required to wear the gear in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, and public transportation with adequate ventilation.

“The national government allowed the local government unit concerned the authority to decide whether or not to lift the mandatory wearing of the face shield in their respective locality,” Cebu City acting mayor Mike Rama said.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said local government units have the power to decide on the matter, contrary to the statements of presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Some epidemiologists voiced their concern on the removal of the face shield, claiming that infection rates might spike anew.

“Your protection with the face mask may not be enough in those spaces. That’s why we need that additional protection by also protecting our eyes,” epidemiologist Dr. Rontgene Solante said.

Meanwhile, most Filipinos welcome the removal of face shields.

“Di siya komportable talaga. Siguro di na din ako magsusuot ‘pag meron na ‘din batas na pinatupad,” Japet Alcantara said.

Epidemiologist Edsel Salvana recommends wearing face shields with face masks and maintaining one meter social distance for a 99% protection rate against the virus.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA News