Because masks are sometimes difficult to bear, especially in case of heat, the purchase and manufacture of protective visors increases sharply with the epidemic of coronavirus. Are they effective in protecting yourself from the virus? What tutorials are available? Where else to buy it?
[Mise à jour le lundi 25 mai 2020 à 10h46] Disposable or in cloth, protective masks coronavirus are now accessible everywhere (supermarkets, pharmacies, DIY store, seamstress …) but for some, some find it difficult to bear them in particular when it is warm. They prefer to opt for the port of protective visors to protect themselves from coronavirus. In hospitals, face masks are part of the protective elements to be worn when caring for patients suspected / infected with COVID-19. “Used mainly in resuscitation, they allow a almost complete protection by their anti-projection effect in the three zones through which the virus enters: mouth, nose and eyes“ explains Dr Sebastian Marciano, general practitioner at the Medical Emergencies of Paris. They are also of interest to professionals who are on the second line of the epidemic, such as firefighters, police or cashiers. Composed oftransparent plexiglass screens, these visors protect potentially infected droplets and postlets. “At the Samu in Paris, big brands like Leroy Merlin provided visors for free for all of our regulating doctors and at the Paris Medical Emergencies, we were fortunate to be delivered every week from visors printed by a 3D printer offered by the 3d4care project of the University of Paris and Pr Jean-Pierre Attal ” continues our interlocutor. Companies have also reconverted their production to manufacture this type of visor for caregivers and more broadly all those who need it (traders …) during the coronavirus epidemic. Among the latest, Apple which has posted its (very technical) instructions for making face shields for healthcare professionals online.
Protective visors may be available on the Internet or in DIY stores (but many are closed during containment). 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 Association for Occupational Health Counseling (ACST) delivered his tutorial on video:
“Visors or face shields are not respiratory protection equipment but eye and face protection equipment, recalls the National Research and Safety Institute on its site (INRS). If they can protect carriers from large droplets emitted immediately after a cough by someone nearby and facing the screen, they do not protect particles remaining in suspension. They didn’t not the effectiveness of respiratory protection masks.
In healthcare establishments, 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. In addition, it is important to “clean both sides of the protective visor every evening with a disinfectant” specifies Dr. Marciano.
Protective visors are available on DIY sites, on Amazon, and on medical product sales sites (Bastide …) with more or less long lead times (some have one month lead time) and prices. around 20 euros depending on the model.
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