DOH considering goggles and double face masks

The Department of Health (DOH) and health experts reevaluate evidence on the protection offered by face shields, finalizing their recommendation on wearing such in enclosed spaces. However, a Health official said the use of goggles as a layer of protection against COVID-19 is part of the conversation.

A report by CNN Philippines stated that Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire was asked if officials are considering recommending the use of goggles and double face masks instead of face shields.

“Iyan talaga ang direction ng pag-uusap. Primarily kaya natin minandate na ang face shields ay gamitin natin for us to protect our eyes because there are evidence to state na ang COVID-19 can also penetrate ang eyes natin at pwede tayo maimpeksyon,” Vergeire said in a media briefing, as reported by CNN Philippines. “Pinag-uusapan lahat ito, the possibility of these goggles and the others, nandyan po iyan.”

“That is the direction of the talks. We mandated the use of face shields primarily to protect our eyes because evidence states that COVID-19 can also penetrate our eyes and cause infection. We are talking about all these, such as the possibility of the use of goggles and others.”

Vergeire also said goggles protect the eyes from droplets and aerosols.

Meanwhile, the department will submit its updated recommendation on using face shields to the Inter-Agency Task Force. For now, local government units were told the enforce the mandate.

Source: CNN Philippines