Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. on Sunday, June 13 renewed his call for the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the Department of Health (DOH) to stop requiring the public to use face shields. saying there is no solid medical evidence that it is effective against community transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.

Revilla pointed out that most doctors also doubt the efficacy of using face shields, as most of them say using these obstruct proper ventilation.

“And aside from these considerations, our cash-strapped kababayans (fellowmen) are forced to shell-out much needed money for face shields which they could otherwise spend on necessities like food,” Revilla said in a statement.

The senator said it is better for the public to continue to practice proven minimum health standards—including proper wearing of face masks; social distancing; and washing of hands and proper hygiene.

These activities, he said, were proven to be the most effective means of preventing COVID-19 infection.

“These are the recommended minimum health standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is being applied in the whole world. It does not include the use of face shields," the senator stressed.

“We are the only ones enforcing (the use of face shields),” Revilla said.

Revilla, however, said the use of face shields may still be required for medical and in-facility frontliners who are expected to come into contact with COVID-positive patients.

“The DOH mentions a study in India which showed a 100 percent effectivity of face shields in preventing COVID-19 transmission to community health workers," he cited.

“It’s okay to enforce the use of face shields to our doctors, nurses, hospital workers and crematorium workers, but for the public, there is no need,” Revilla said.

“This is why we again call on the government. We appreciate the efforts of the IATF and DOH to protect the public and beat this pandemic. All we are asking for is a little consideration for our people,” he said.