With coronavirus numbers creeping back up, wearing a face covering in public is mandatory in some places, including Baton Rouge. Face shields are emerging as an alternative to regular face masks, but are they a safe alternative? The CDC does not recommend the use of face shields as a substitute for cloth masks. The main downside is droplets released when coughing, sneezing or speaking can be dispersed through the sides and bottom of the shield. Unlike face shields, cloth masks absorb these droplets. While draping a cloth along the bottom of the face shield is recommended, the effectiveness has not yet been widely studied.
Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: Can a face shield protect me the same as a regular mask?
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