Plastic face shields are not a safe alternative to cloth mask
Wearing a face mask is a primary recommendation for preventing the transmission of Covid-19. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) urges that wearing a face mask is the most efficient way to protect yourself and others against Covid-19, some people use plastic face shields as an alternative to cloth face masks. Healthcare providers advise that a face shield does not provide sufficient protection from Covid-19 when used it alone. Wearing a face shield along with a face mask is the best way to protect yourself.
Many medical experts say face shields can help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Wearing face shields can reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Covid-19 spreads between people through direct, indirect, or close contact with infected people through saliva or respiratory droplets. These secretions are released from the mouth and nose when an infected person coughs, sneezes, and talks.
Face shields cover eyes, nose, and mouth. So, it helps prevent infectious droplets from contacting these areas where the virus can enter the body.
However, droplets in the environment can still be inhaled through the open area, even though face shields provide a barrier of protection. This is why we should wear a face shield along with a mask.
Some medical experts recommend these things below to get the most benefit from a face shield:
- Always wear a face shield with a mask.
At this time, It is not known what level of protection a face shield provides to people nearby from the spray of respiratory droplets from the wearer. Also, there is not much evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. Therefore, the CDC does not recommend use of face shields as an alternative to cloth masks.
2. Make sure your face shield fits well.
The face shield should come to the level of the chin or below in the front. It should almost reach the ears on the side and no gap between the forehead and the front of the shield unless there is a cover over the gap.
3. Clean your face shield after each use.
The CDC suggests cleaning with a neutral detergent and warm water to remove any visible stain. They also suggest disinfecting the face shield with a chlorine-based solution. After the cleaning and disinfecting process, rinse again with clean water to remove any residue. Air dry or use clean paper towels to remove any moisture.
