DOH sets SRP for face shields from P26 to P50

MANILA, Philippines — With face shields being required in public transportation and workplaces starting Aug. 15, the Department of Health (DOH) has set the suggested retail price (SRP) at P26 to P50 each.

Based on Department Memorandum 2020-0345 dated Aug. 10 and signed by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the DOH said there are “technical specifications” on the make of face shields.

The DOH said shields should be made of “clear plastic or acetate material, provide good visibility, fog resistant, adjustable band to attach firmly around the head, fit snuggly against the forehead, full face coverage (the side and length of the face), made of robust material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, disposable or re-usable.”

“Likewise, a 10-percent allowable variation to the SRP may be added to account for the distribution cost for the Visayas and Mindanao,” the DOH added.

At a press briefing yesterday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they have initiated a “local survey of the market” to determine how much face shields are being sold in big drug stores and online.

Vergeire said they wanted to have an idea on the ranges of prices to come up with the SRP.

They also consulted with experts on what materials would be appropriate for the face shields to protect the public against COVID-19.

Lower virus transmission

DOH director for Health Promotion Bureau Beverly Ho said compliance with “physical distancing, wearing of face mask and face shield can lower the chances of virus transmission” by 96 percent.

Citing recent studies, she maintained that wearing of N95 masks can reduce transmission by 97 percent and 67 percent for non-N95 masks.

On the other hand, the observance of physical distancing by one meter can reduce the transmission by 82 percent, with protection increasing as distance is lengthened.

Face shields can be used to complement face masks, further reducing the spread of the virus, Ho said.

She maintained that face shields “should not be used as substitutes for face masks and should only be used in addition to masks.”