Must cover the whole face: DOH recommends specifications for face shields used in public

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 13) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a memorandum that non-medical grade face shield or the one used in public settings should cover the whole face of the person wearing it.

Below are the other DOH-recommended specifications for the said face covering:

-Made of plastic or acetate material

-Can be disinfected easily

-Provides good visibility

-Fog resistant

-Has an adjustable band to attach firmly around the head

-Fits the forehead

Some face shields available in the market are visor-type ones which only cover the eyes.

The health chief also said in the Department Memorandum 0345 dated August 10 that the suggested retail price for non-medical grade face shields is between ₱26 and ₱50, but 10 percent may be added on top of the SRP if the distributors are from Visayas and Mindanao.

Employees will be required to wear face shields, along with face masks, at all times in their places of work starting August 15 to reduce their risk of catching or spreading the coronavirus, the Department of Labor and Employment said Wednesday. Health experts also advise people to observe hand hygiene practices and keep a distance of at least one meter from others for added protection.

The Transportation Department earlier said face shields should also be worn by people using mass transit systems beginning Saturday. Public transportation is suspended in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine such as Metro Manila, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite until August 18.