Tuesday, October 20, 2020

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.

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