For the first time in almost two years, I’m finally able to see clearly whenever I walk outside.  No, I did not change my prescription glasses—it’s just that face shields are no longer required to be worn!

Each country has their own quirky approach in handling the pandemic, and in the Philippines it’s the mandatory wearing of face shields outdoors, aside from wearing face masks.  Anti-maskers left the chat.

Unlike other countries where even wearing a face mask is arguable, here you won’t be allowed to enter anywhere if you don’t wear a face shield.  It doesn’t always mean people wear them properly, they just wear them for compliance.  There’s not much evidence to prove that they offer relevant protection anyway as the cases surged earlier this year despite everyone wearing them outdoors.  In my opinion, they’re additional vectors for viruses to cling onto as I saw many people simply reusing them for as long as possible without seemingly disinfecting them.

Thankfully, mandatory wearing of face shields has been rescinded and for the first time in a very long time, I can see clearly where I’m going.  I can’t help but hear the song “I Can See Clearly Now” by Jimmy Cliff in my head as I walk outdoors without any face shields.  Somehow, it also made me feel like things are getting better.