FACE MASKS OR FACE SHIELDS? WHICH WILL SERVE THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTION AGAINST COVID-19

The novel coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. Everyone is protecting themselves and their families from a deadliest virus which still doesn’t have a vaccine to cure people for sure. Preventive measures are taken all over the world. Yet a confusion and debate still continues to persist within the society about “Which will safeguard people Face Mask or Face Shield?”

In the beginning of year 2020, cluster of coronavirus cases were reported from different parts of the world. During the initial outbreak the use of mask was not recommended for general public use. Later on, the researches found out that the use of mask is mandatory for one and all while going outdoor along with social distancing. The research talks about how contagious virus can be and how the virus rolls out upto six feet distance from a asymptomatic person and can affect a healthy person. The use of mask became the need of the hour.

The market is flooded with numerous varieties of masks, yet the people are unaware about the right choice. Different types of masks caters to different purposes. The surgical masks commonly known as medical mask, covers the nose and mouth safeguarding one from infectious droplets, saliva and respiratory secretion.The mask also filters out large particles present in the air. 

The widely used N95 are type of respirator offers protection than surgical masks. N95 respirators offers the highest level of protection against coronavirus.These masks are designed in such a way that they block upto 95% of small and large particles when the person inhales. N95 masks have an edge over surgical masks as they can be reused.

The total market for masks has swelled up to Rs 450 crore during the outbreak. As the market demands increased for mask, a dearth was noticed. Numerous people had no access to mask, so in order to fortify themselves an initiation to make cloth masks came into action. These masks can be worn to public settings, where other social distancing measure are difficult to adhere to. These masks might slow down spread of virus. The researches are still in play to discover the efficiency of these particular masks.

On the other hand face shields are being utilised by the health care industry. Face shields provide with much more protection against the virus. The studies earlier have proven that face shields are much more effective to stop flu virus, and can reduce exposure to the virus by 96 percent, within 18 inches of cough. They come with n-number of advantages. As they are reusable and only requires cleaning with disinfectants or soap and water. These are much more comfortable and they act as a barrier for people, in order to keep themselves away from touching their own faces. Also one can see each other facial expressions and lip movements. 

The face shield furnish much more protection in comparison to any other masks. It serves the whole purpose and can be used a precautionary measure against coronavirus.