But shields are a good alternative to masks for the public for plenty of reasons, ranging from comfort, and superior ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally, says Diekema, who is the director of the division of infectious diseases at University of Iowa Health Care.
They are also hard to use incorrectly, are generally less obtrusive and intimidating.
“I think masks can be scary to some people and I’ve also noticed there is a level of discomfort when people are in masks because I’ve realized just how much I depend on seeing an entire face just to recognize people.”
While shields may not entirely block the respiratory droplets ejected during a cough or sneeze, they direct them downwards and prevent them from flying out in front of you, which is dangerous in face-to-face situations, he says.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/new-normal-will-face-shields-replace-masks-1.495902