Editorial Cartoon l Kurt Angel Duran
by JAY MARC POVADORA | Editorial Correspondent
As COVID-19 continues to spread all over the country, face shields became one of the precautionary measures against it. It provides protection from the virus. But, it can cause accidents and can be suffocating. Is it really a weapon we need to fight back against the unseen enemy? Or maybe just a nuisance to the public?
Face shields have been a hot topic since it was first implemented last December, 2020. Although it's purpose is to decrease the infection, Filipinos are asking to reimpose the policy.
A study from Physics of Fluids found out that having a face mask and face shield will not make you invincible against the droplets around you. The sides and bottom parts can also be a pathway to your face.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that face shields are "just an extra layer of protection besides face mask". It blocks liquid from coming into our eyes. But it will not be a substitute for face masks
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also said that "not as effective at protecting you or the people around you from respiratory droplets." Both WHO and CDC don't have any suggestions to implement this policy.
We can't deny the fact that face shields are for added protection. However, Filipinos said that the policy is "anti-poor". That it should be optional, and not mandatory.
The public clamor continued to rise and finally reached the government. Last Wednesday, President Duterte announced that face shields will not be required outside except for the places identified as "3Cs" -- "closed, crowded, and closed contact".
The fight against COVID-19 is not over yet. The new Delta Variant is popping everywhere. Is it really a rush to remove this another layer of protection? Or a reasonable action towards the public's demand?
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