Eyeglass-type face shields are “acceptable” provided that they “completely cover the sides and length of the face,” the Department of Health (DOH-6) clarified on Friday, Aug. 14.
“Recognizing that there are different styles and variations of face shields in the market, the DOH-6 clarifies that minimum standards or requirements/ specifications are issued by the health department to ensure that the device serves its purpose,” the DOH-6 said in a news release.
The department made the clarification after Department Order (DO) No. 2020-0345 caused confusion among the public.
The order, dated Aug. 10, 2020 and signed by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, set the suggested retail price (SRP) for face shield products between P26 – P50.
“A 10% allowable variation to the SRP may be added to account for the distribution cost for the Visayas and Mindanao areas,” it stated.
The DO also provided the following “technical specifications” for “non-medical face shields” or those intended for “community use”:
▪clear plastic or acetate material
▪provides good visibility
▪fog resistant
▪adjustable band to attach firmly around the head ▪fits snugly against the forehead
▪full face coverage (completely cover the sides and length of the face)
▪made of robust material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected
▪disposable or reusable
The recommended specifications referred to the the elastic headband-type face shield.
But the DOH-6 said “other variations of face shields such as the eyeglass-type face shield, can be considered acceptable as long as [they] meet the recommended requirement that [they] should cover the full face.”
The department also reiterated that face shields “should not be used as substitute for face masks.”
“Face shields are used as as additional protective barrier especially whrn in public places where physical distancing is a challenge,” the DOH-6 said.IMT
