Duterte brings back mandatory face shields amid Delta variant fears

President Rodrigo Duterte reinstated the mandatory face shield policy for both outdoor and indoor areas, following advice from health experts concerned about the Delta variant.

He acknowledged the inconvenience but stressed it was a minor measure compared to the potential national disaster from aggressive COVID-19 strains.

Duterte expressed worry that the highly infectious Delta variant, first detected in India, could trigger another wave of infections impacting the country's economy.

The President also noted reports suggesting the Delta variant might be resistant to some COVID-19 vaccines.

This decision reversed the earlier announcement that face shields would no longer be required outdoors.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its vaccine expert panel (VEP) welcomed the mandatory face shield policy, emphasizing that it is the best course of action given the low immunization coverage and the presence of variants.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña stated that the decision was based on the advice of medical experts, and VEP chair Dr. Nina Gloriani expressed relief, noting the importance of continued protection as only around 5 percent of the population was immunized at the time.