The government will issue directives setting technical standards and suggested retail prices (SRP) on face shields as well as new workplace protocols to curb the spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Anna Guerrero, chief of the Pharmaceutical Division of the Department of Health (DOH) said the agency will issue within the week the SRPs on face shields in time for the implementation of a directive of the Department of Transportation that makes the wearing of face shields mandatory.
Guerrero said DOH may consider setting SRPs on supplements Vitamin C and zinc that boost the immune system.
Guerrero said the DOH will the issue technical standards on face shields to ensure they give ample protection.
Guerrero said there are varying prices in the market depending on the material but added “there should be reasonable prices of face shields.”
She said it is known face shields give added protection but these should still be worn with a face mask.
At present, medicines and antibiotics that are used to treat COVID patients are covered by SRPs.
The DOH can add products to the list by invoking public health emergency.
Meanwhile, the Departments of Labor and of Trade and Industry will release a joint circular on additional protocols that need to be observed in the workplace such as the appointment of a health protocol officer, setting up of isolation facility, reportorial procedures of COVID positive workers, testing requirements among others.
