Marcos appeals for optional use of face shield
FORMER Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is urging the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on infectious disease to reconsider its decision for the mandatory use of face shield outside of the residence.
Wearing a face mask and a face shield in public, particularly inside malls and similar business establishments, is required as part of the health protocol imposed by the task foce In a bid to stem the further spread of COVID-19 virus.
Marcos pointed out that the mandatory use of face shield is not supported or endorsed by international health organizations and mental health advocates.
“Evidently, it is only in our country where the use of face shield is being made compulsary. Ayon sa mga eksperto, ang face shield ay proteksyon para sa mga talsik ng mga biological fluid na maaaring may virus. Pero dahil may puwang sa gilid at sa ilalim nito, maaari pa rin makapasok sa ilong at bibig ang mga droplets na may virus. Isa pa, dun sa open space o well-ventilated na lugar, mababa ang chance ng transmission,” he stressed.
The former senator also sounded off an alarm on the ecological implications
of adding more single-use plastic into the country’s worsening pollution problem.
He said that 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 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.
The former senator said that 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 of face mask at all times while in public places and inside business establishment, including proper hand-washing, use of alcohol and physical distancing is enough adherence to health protocol, “ the former senator ended.
