25March 2024
Are plastic face shields effective against COVID-19 and other infections?
Plastic face shields provide some protection but are not enough alone. They block large droplets from coughs or sneezes, which helps protect the eyes and face. However, they do not filter small airborne particles like masks do.
For optimal protection, health authorities like the CDC and WHO recommend using face shields in combination with well-fitted, high-quality masks such as N95s or KN95s rather than as a standalone solution. This combination approach is particularly important in high-risk settings like healthcare environments or crowded indoor spaces. While shields alone may be better than no protection at all, they should be viewed as a supplementary measure rather than a primary defense. The most effective strategy against COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses remains vaccination, proper mask-wearing, good ventilation, and hand hygiene, with face shields serving as an optional extra layer when appropriate.
This combination approach is particularly important in high-risk settings like healthcare environments or crowded indoor spaces
