Why Wearing a Face Mask is Important

 As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues, many personal protective equipment companies are coming up with new development, which helps people reduce the risk of transmitting it to others. One such company, Colorado Cases, Inc., released a product they call the Protective Hood-19. As its name suggests, it is a hood that covers the entirety of the face and shields the eyes, nose, and mouth from respiratory droplets.

The Protective Hood-19 is the next step in humanity’s fight against a new, viral threat. It is also an improvement of what has already been shown to be an effective defense against transmission: using a face mask.

A Refresher on Face Mask Usage

While COVID-19 control measures are ongoing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that everyone who must go outside or visit a public space should wear a face mask. This guideline is firmly set in place based on research noting how the virus spreads: respiratory droplets entering the body.

Face masks prevent the spread of infection by being a physical barrier that blocks airborne infectious germs. When worn properly, it prevents respiratory droplets from entering a person’s mouth or nose.

Also, a mask prevents the wearer from spreading their droplets to others. Since most carriers of COVID-19 are asymptomatic, wearing a mask can do much in reducing the risk of transmission.

The Protective Hood-19 is recommended for essential workers and healthcare professionals. While it can offer maximum protection, a standard face mask can also provide sufficient defense against airborne illness.

The Pros and Cons of Face Shields

 Companies that design personal protective equipment are releasing new products to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. One such entity has released the Protective Shield-19, a variant of the face shield that is used in medical applications. This product combines a protective hood and conventional face shield elements to provide a complete-coverage solution against airborne germs.

One of the standout features of the Protective Shield-19 is its use of the face shield. This post will cover the advantages and disadvantages of the conventional shield.

A Brief Overview of Face Shields

A face shield is particularly effective as an additional layer of protection for the wearer. COVID-19 spreads from respiratory droplets that can enter a person’s body through their eyes, nose, or mouth. Shields cover the face entirely, thereby protecting the eyes. When paired with a face mask, it is useful in blocking respiratory droplets.

On the downside, the face shield cannot be treated as a substitute for a mask.  That’s because the gaps in the sides and bottom of the shield still provide sufficient space for the wearer’s own droplets to become airborne and spread to others. Simply put, having a shield isn’t enough–you need to pair it with a mask to get its intended protection.

Even so, innovations like the Protective Shield-19 and its variants are only part of the bigger picture: reducing illness spread. In order to control the proliferation of COVID-19, it will be necessary for others to wear masks, be mindful of social distancing guidelines, and minimize exposure to large crowds.