The fabric or surgical mask is compulsory in closed public places in France. But it keeps you warm … Can we wear a visor instead of the mask? Is it also effective in blocking the Covid-19? What the authorities say.
[Mise à jour le lundi 20 juillet 2020 à 11h25] While the wearing a mask is compulsory in closed public places, France, from July 20, that of the visor has difficulty in becoming widespread, even if it keeps much less hot. In hospitals, visor masks are part of the protective elements to wear when caring for patients suspected / infected with COVID-19. “Used mainly in intensive care, they allow a almost complete protection by their anti-projection effect in the three areas through which the virus enters: the mouth, nose and eyes“ explains Dr Sebastian Marciano, general practitioner at the Paris Medical Emergencies. They are also of interest to professionals who are on the second line of the epidemic such as firefighters, police officers or cashiers. Composed oftransparent plexiglass screens, these visors protect against potentially infected droplets and postilions. According to the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP) in Switzerland, these visors are not not sufficient to effectively protect from coronavirus if used without mask. When the distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained, the mask is necessary, estimates the office Wednesday July 15 in a communication relayed by the Swiss agency ATS.
Protective visors may be available on the internet or in DIY stores (but many are closed during times of lockdown). Another option: make it yourself. With what ? A transparent crystal PVC sheet, an elastic band and a stapler. Dr Jean-Michel Wendling, doctor at the Occupational Health Advisory Association (ACST) delivered his video tutorial:
“The visors or face shields are not respiratory protection equipment but eye and face protection equipment, recalls the National Research and Security Institute on its site (INRS). While they can protect wearers from the large droplets emitted immediately after a cough by a person nearby and facing the screen, they do not protect particles remaining in suspension. They don’t have not the effectiveness of respiratory protection masks. A position supported by the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP) in Switzerland which estimated Wednesday July 15 that the visors can be used in addition to wearing a mask, but that they cannot replace it. When the distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained, the mask is necessary, say the Swiss health authorities.
In healthcare facilities, face shields are worn in addition to the respiratory protection mask. They have the advantage of being able to be removed while minimizing the risk of touching the face. Outside the hospital environment, “face shields can only be used in addition to collective, organizational and hygiene measures” estimates the INRS. Wearing these visors should not make you forget that you have to wash your hands several times a day and respect social distancing measures.
It’s important to “clean both sides of the protective visor every evening with a disinfectant product” says Dr Marciano.
Protective visors are available on DIY sites, sure Amazon, and on medical product sales sites (Bastide…) with more or less long reception times (some have one month delay) and price around 20 euros depending on the models.
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