The use of face shields was “not totally disregarded’’ as part of the government’s uphill battle to fend off the transmission of the fatal coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), especially with the threat of the new Omicron variant.

In a briefing with President Duterte on Monday night, Nov. 29, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año stated that the face shield use is an integral facet in the alert level system.

"Ini-integrate lang po natin (face shield use) doon sa alert level system, na sa alert level 1, 2, 3 ay voluntary po; alert level 4, may discretion ang LGU (local government unit) to impose; alert level 5, talagang mandatory (We are just integrating it to the alert level system in alert level 1, 2, 3 its use is voluntary; alert level 4 the LGU has the discretion to impose; alert level 5 it is really mandatory),’’ Año said.

Año pointed out that the use of face shields can be likened to using umbrellas during strong rains that can be set aside when the weather improves.

With the adjusted face shield use depending on the alert levels of certain areas, Año maintained its mandatory imposition may be required in the event the COVID-19 Omicron strain finds its way in the affected parts of the country.

Año insisted that health policies may “possibly change’’ if the entry of the Omicron variant would officially be declared in the country.

Through the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Año bared that the DILG will issue a stricter directive to enhance the country’s border control measures.

“Now, we have instituted border controls but our border in the southeast is porous. Iyon ang dapat bantayan po kasi kung mayroong mga pumasok na mga Filipino Muslims from Sabah, from Malaysia or Indonesia at hindi po dumaan sa port or seaport, airport. (We are supposed to guard that because there are Filipino Muslims from Sabah, from Malaysia or Indonesia who do not pass through the port or seaport, airport),’’ he added. (Chito A. Chavez)