Face shields are an achievable way to provide protections that COVID-19 demands
While face masks are still needed in some situations, implementation of face shields will greatly reduce the risk of getting virus
The COVID-19 pandemic presents enormous challenges. A newly emerged virus to which the world’s population has no immunity, coupled with the rapid movement of people across the globe, has set the stage for an outbreak of proportions not seen in the last century.
For infection with this virus to occur, it must come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. This happens when droplets produced by an infected person (via talking, coughing or sneezing), land on the face of another person. These infectious droplets can travel up to 6 feet, which is the reason to promote social distancing. Touching a surface that is contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching one’s own eyes, nose or mouth, is another way for infection to occur. Therefore, the key to avoiding infection is to have these areas of the face covered.
In hospitals, face masks and goggles are typically used to prevent exposure to infectious droplets. However, face mask shortages are occurring because of interruptions in the supply chain, which is deeply rooted in China and disrupted by the pandemic. Some health care workers have been forced to resort to scarves and bandannas in a last-ditch attempt to protect themselves while providing care. Even when plentiful, face masks are not without problems. Once they become wet from the humidity in exhaled air, they lose effectiveness. In addition, some individuals touch their face more often to adjust the mask, which increases the risk of infection if the hands are contaminated.
Cloth masks, though better than nothing, have been shown to be less protective than medical-grade face masks.
We believe that face shields provide a better solution. There are many types, but all use clear plastic material attached to a headpiece to cover the eyes, nose and mouth, thereby preventing infectious droplets from contacting these areas where the virus can enter the body. They cover more of the face than masks and prevent the wearer from touching their face. Importantly, face shields are durable, can be cleaned after use, reused repeatedly, and for many people are more comfortable than face masks. Because these shields are reusable and are diversified across the supply chains of multiple industries, the current supply is less limited than for face masks.
“Importantly, they cover all the portals of entry for this virus: the eyes, the nose, and the mouth. Moreover, the supply chain is significantly more diversified than that of face masks, so availability is much greater.”
Every health care worker needs a face shield for protection at work. While face masks are still needed in some situations, implementation of face shields will greatly reduce the need for face masks and extend the limited national supply of masks. Engineers have produced designs for face shields that are in the public domain, and fabrication at scale is relatively simple. To ensure that every health care worker has a face shield, production will need to ramp up to meet the demand through current manufacturers and recruitment of additional factories. Because the design is simple, massive rapid production would not be difficult.
Once the health care workforce is equipped, distribution to the public should begin, with a goal to provide a face shield to every person in the country. It should be worn anytime a person leaves their home, while in any public place, and even at work. Although shelter-at-home approaches are needed to “bend the curve” of this pandemic, the ensuing societal disruption limits the time that political leaders are willing to sustain such measures. Once every person is shielded, however, reducing restrictions on movement would carry less risk. Universal shielding could reduce reliance on social distancing since infectious droplets cannot reach the face of susceptible individuals. Handwashing, however, would remain essential to keep people from infecting themselves with virus found on the hands after touching contaminated surfaces.
Face shields are simple, easily produced devices that would have a major impact on public health. Rapid production should be a global priority. Until we have a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, this may be our best option to avoid this infection.
Features:
Elastic Headband design for Adult & Kids.
Sonically welded band gives the face shield added strength and reliability.
Available in both elastic band and adjustable Velcro band.
Lightweight and comfortable to wear, quick and easy to don.
Excellent protection against potential contamination from blood pathogens, body fluids, or harmful chemical splash.
Specification:
Weight: 35G
Size: 33 * 22CM
Material: PET
Package:
1 * face shield
