Extra protection when you need to be in crowds – like TSA checkpoints at the airport.

Let’s all agree that we can’t stop living our lives – and we would prefer to avoid COVID, Omicron and all its variations. By now you know that we are NOT doctors or public health professionals, but we’ve read considerable advice that while face shields have not been extensively tested, experts suggest that they add a layer of protection from airborne droplets, especially in crowded places where fellow humans are sneezing and coughing. Dr. Fauci recommends face shields in addition to masks to keep particulates away from your eyes. Not sure that it is worth looking like a robot? Look no further than the health professionals at COVID testing sights – they are wearing face shields and masks.

Face shields do not replace masks in places where mask mandates are in effect. I flew across country yesterday and wore a face shield over my mask. I was reasonably comfortable and had no trouble breathing. I drew a few side glances, but that was a small price to pay for getting to my destination healthy. As an added benefit, I found that my shield kept me from touching my eyes and face, which I’ve always heard is one way that we pick up viruses.

The best face shields protect you from the spray of respiratory droplets which can infect you through both nose and eyes (I know, yuck!?!). You want one which is comfortable and lets you breath easily so you will keep it on. If you wear glasses, find a shield which fits over them comfortably. I have friends who wear ski googles with their masks to keep particulates away from their eyes. You need to wash the face shields with soap and water after every use.

For a flight across country, I wore this transparent, anti-fog, nose and mouth safety, unisex face shield. Airline rules required me to wear a mask, so I wore a mask inside my shield. I was very comfortable. People were sneezing and coughing, and while I am not generally a germ-a-phobe, I was glad to have the extra protection from colds and flu. The masks come with filters which rest on the perforated plastic piece in the chin area. $21.99 Extra filters for face shield chin area. 60 Filters for $12.99.

This kid’s full-face shield was developed for cycling, but it looks as though it would provide good protection from airborne droplets. $14.99

This kid’s face shields are open around the sides and kids might find them easier to wear than the full mask, but more air and potentially more droplets, can get to their noses, eyes and mouths. Two shields for $9.99.

Full face protective shield with anti-fog for adults. They come in a variety of colors and have perforated plastic under the chin where you will add a filter for full protection. $18.99

NoCry Flip-up Face Shield with adjustable headband. This shield is open at the sides and bottom, so it is less protective than the full-face masks, but it fits over glasses, goggles, and your face mask. It comes with two clear plastic visors. $13.99

Conde Nast recommends these Polaroid full face shields. They are open at the sides, top and bottom, but the shield area is big. $35.00.

This fully closed, hooded facemask certainly has great coverage. It is from a seller on Etsy and makes no medical, protective claims. It does look like it would keep most droplets out. $53.12