By J. Jala | 10:06 AM June 19, 2021
An infectious disease expert said the use of face shields even outdoors offer extra protection, especially with the threat posed by the more transmissible Covid-19 Delta variant.
“Even if they say a face shield is no longer required, with the threat of this Delta variant, I will still use a face shield. I will recommend it because it is an extra layer of protection,” Edsel Salvana, a member of the Department of Health’s technical advisory group said at the Laging Handa briefing.
Salvana noted that the Delta variant first detected in India is 60 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which is already 60 percent more transmissible than the original virus.
The Delta variant has an increased transmissibility of about 40 percent, he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte has said face shields should only be used in hospitals.
However, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases recommended that these still be required in enclosed/indoor spaces of hospitals, schools, workplaces, commercial establishments, public transport and terminals, and places of worship.
