There are many commercial and homemade DIY shields that protect from the spray from an infected person, as well as will act as a barrier to touching your face.
Epidemiologist's reasons why he prefers shields and some shield designs.
Looking on youtube with the links https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=make+mask+visor and https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=diy+face+shield will bring up many suggestions.
"In an analysis of 75,465 COVID-19 cases in China, there was no airborne transmission reported", but this was before much was known about the virus.
The WHO said without evidence of airborne transmission, it did not recommend the public wear masks to prevent catching COVID-19, which means that the WHO and most research says that you cannot normally catch the virus floating around in the air around you.
There are, however, several research papers that say that viruses can remain in the air for some time, but usually only in under special conditions like medical procedures.
In March 2020 the WHO did not recommend mask because they believed that touching the face to adjust the mask would transfer germs to your face.
Medical workers who may be in very close contact with patients need masks, preferably the N95; also shields since their risk of having a patient spray into their face is high.
The current advice from the CDC is to protect others and if there is any chance you have contracted COVID-19, wear a type of cloth mask to prevent contamination escaping, which may be compulsory in some countries.
It will deter you catching the virus through your mouth and nose, but offers no protection should you rub your eyes with contaminated hands. If you adjust or touch the mask and your face with contaminated hands, that could transfer the infection to your face.
For protection against catching the virus, wear a shield that covers your face and prevents the touching of your face.
Currently wearing masks is now compulsory or recommended worldwide to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.
Why not a shield that both traps most of the virus and protects the wearer?
We are confused! Which is best???
See also instructions below for making a homemade shield from items found in most kitchens that can be washed and sterilized for multiple uses and do not require breathing through a suffocating cloth mask.
This shield stops your hands touching your face including your chin, enabling you to remove it without your hands contacting your head.
Shields must be removed carefully to prevent chin and head touching.
Wearing gloves is of doubftful protection since the virus does not penetrate the skin, unless maybe through an open wound. For gloves to be effective they must be removed after touching any possibly contaminated object.
Anything that helps keep your hands off your face must be of benefit, and that is the best reason to wear a full face shield, especially one that stops your hands touching your face, especially when removing it. A full-face shield that has side pieces that prevent your hands also touching your hair and head would be the best.
A DIY mask, while not as effective as an N95 mask, still offers some protection from respiratory droplets from someone coughing or sneezing close to you.
Fabric that is 100% cotton is comparable to surgical masks.
If you can't make your mask, the New York City Department suggests covering your mouth and nose with a scarf or bandanna.
There is no conclusive evidence whether the tiny drops generated from breathing and even coughing containing coronavirus remain suspended for any time.
See why a face mask is both of use as protection against inhaling the virus and preventing spreading. See https://endco19.com/preventions.html for a detailed discussion on aerosols and droplet spreading.
If the drops do not remain suspended for much time, as claimed by the World Health Organisation - WHO - a mask will help stop the normal wearer from spreading, but only a shield stops the wearer touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their face.
Medical personal in close contact with CO-19 patients must wear at least the N95 mask, plus a medically approved face shield.
You can make this shield/mask quickly at home from cleaned used plastic food tray parts, glue and a few small pieces of Velcro.
The main idea of this shield is to prevent your hands touching anywhere on your head, including the sides and your chin. However, it would give good protection for both wearer and surrounding parties against sneezing, coughing and hypersalivation or spitting when talking.
Should there be any scientific testing to determine it as a protection against various germs, it will be shown here.
You will not need to touch your face or head to put it on.
It can be easily sterilized by wiping with antiseptic or dropping the whole
shield in warm soapy water for several minutes
Best stored out of the way on a high hook.
It can be made cheaply using a plastic food container.
It is not claustrophobic like a piece of material over your mouth.
It can be worn with a medical mask if wanted.
It protects the eyes and can be designed to cover all or most of the head.
It can be made for all sizes.
1) You will not need to touch your face or head to put it on.
2) It can be easily sterilized by wiping with antiseptic or dropping the whole shield in warm soapy water for several minutes.
3) Best stored out of the way on a high hook.
4) It can be made cheaply using a plastic food container.
5) It is not claustrophobic like a piece of material over your mouth.
6) It can be worn with a medical mask if wanted.
7) It protects the eyes and can be designed to cover all or most of the head.
8) It can be made for all sizes.
(©) Bernhard Kirschner, design free to use for personal and non-profit community use.
For commercial use, please contact: info@preventing-coronaviruses.com