How effective are face shields against coronavirus?
'25.05.2020'
Source: Yellmed.ru
Shields are much more convenient than masks: they are easier to breathe and they do not injure the skin of the face, writes Yellmed.
Such guards have long been actively used in medicine, construction, industry. The mask screen protects the face and eyes from various splashes, caustic substances, welding sparks, dust and larger solid particles.
In connection with the height of the coronavirus epidemic, plastic peaks began to appear among service workers, and ordinary people drew attention to them.
The main advantages of protective screens:
- provide free breathing;
- can be used repeatedly;
- easy to clean (screens wipe with an antiseptic);
- prevent accidental touching of the face;
- Do not cause skin problems.
However, there is one obvious minus: in contrast to the mask, the screen does not fit snugly to the face.
On the subject: CDC does not recommend: why a mask with a valve is not suitable for protection against coronavirus
German virologist Alexander Kekule believes that for this reason, the face shields cannot provide reliable protection against coronavirus infection.
“When coughing, sneezing and talking, a lot of drops of different sizes stand out,” the specialist notes. “The shields will only be able to“ intercept ”larger ones, which most often fly directly and do not linger in the air for a long time.”
According to the expert, protective shields will not save from small, so-called aerosol drops. Infected microdrops do not fly in a direct path, but scatter in the air and can fall under the lower and side openings of the shield.
