WHO exec: No need for mandatory face shield amid possible entry of Omicron variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said there is no need for mandatory use of face shield even amid the possible entry of the more transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

"The virus is airborne, transferred via close contact transmission. What is important is observing social distancing, wearing face mask and hygiene," WHO representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said during the Laging Handa briefing.

"As long as these minimum public health protocols are complied with and we ensure that people do not congregate in closed settings...face shields, at this point, is not mandatory because we are still looking at and understanding the transmission dynamics of the Omicron variant," Abeyasinghe added.

Earlier, the government said the use of face shields on top of face masks is not mandatory in areas under Alert Level 1, 2 and 3, unless indoor establishments require it.

But acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles had urged Filipinos to continue using face shield for added protection.

Abeyangsinghe, however, said compliance will be higher if the approach is risk-based.

"There is significant discontent on the mandatory use of face shield, so it is better to get compliance when it is risk-based. — RSJ, GMA News