Coronavirus: Should I wear a face mask or face shield?

People can choose to wear either a face mask or face shield when they leave the house, according to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines.

For the general public, a face mask or a face shield alone provides adequate protection, doctors say. However, those working in high-risk settings should wear both a mask and shield.

FACE MASK

How to use

Make sure your nose and mouth are covered.

• There should be no gaps between the mask and your face.

How they work

• Protects your nose and mouth from droplets that may contain virus particles.

Prevents the virus from being spread by a sick person by acting as a barrier.

Pros and cons

• Prevents large infectious droplets from landing on a person’s nose and mouth.

• However, airborne aerosols (smaller invisible droplets) can still enter through the gaps.

• There is also a global shortage of surgical masks.

FACE SHIELD

How to use

• Make sure your whole face is covered, from ear to ear and forehead to chin.

• There should be no gaps between the securing headpiece and the plastic shield

How they work

• Protects your eyes and other parts of the face from droplets that may contain virus particles, and prevents the virus from being spread by a sick person by acting as a barrier.

• It also prevents face masks from getting wet.

Pros and cons

• Relatively easy to make and can be cleaned easily.

• A person’s face is also fully visible, which some people may prefer.

• However, it lacks a good seal around the face, allowing aerosols to penetrate.

WHEN TO USE

• All types of masks, including face shields and reusable and homemade masks, offer adequate basic protection for the general public, says the Ministry of Health.

• Plastic spit guards which mainly cover the mouth are not acceptable.

• Surgical masks should be saved for those who need them most, such as healthcare workers.

• Healthcare workers are generally advised to use both face shields and face masks, as their work involves long hours of contact with patients and puts them at a higher risk of infection.

Ref: thestraitstimes