Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on Monday urged the Inter-Agency Task Force on Infectious Diseases to reconsider itsdecision for the mandatory use of a face shield outside of the residence.
Wearing a face mask and face shield while in public places, particularly inside malls and similar business establishments, is required as part of the health protocol imposed by the task force In a bid to stem the further spread of Covid-19 virus.
Marcos said the mandatory use of face shield is not supported or endorsed by international health organizations and mental healthadvocates.
“Evidently it is only in our country where the use of a face shield is being made compulsory,” the former lawmaker said.
“According to experts, the face shield is protection for splashes of biological fluids that may contain viruses. But because there is space on the side and under it, droplets infected with the virus can still get into the nose and mouth. Also, in an open space or well-ventilated area, the chance of transmission is low,” he added.
Marcos also sounded off the alarm on the ecological implications of adding more single-use plastic into the country’s worsening pollution problem.
According to him, the safe disposal of medical waste during the pandemic is another pressing problem confronting the LGU’s garbage collection which is being stymied by community quarantine restriction.
Marcos explained that even advocates from the Greenpeace, a non-governmental group for environment protection, are working with local executives to promote zero waste, particularly on the reduction and sanitary disposal of face masks and face shields, among others.
He said the “no face mask, no face shield, no entry” policy being implemented in establishments such as malls, is severely affecting the retail industry and hindering the gradual recovery of our economy.”
“I believe wearing a face mask at all times while in public places and inside business establishments, including proper hand-washing, use of alcohol and physical distancing is enough adherence to health protocol“ the former senator pointed out.