COVID-19 can easily be contracted from one person to another through droplets. We must take extra measures to protect ourselves and the people around us from the risk of getting the virus. Following the protocols mandated by the government is a great way to lessen the transmission, along with wearing personal protective equipment.

What are PPEs?

Personal protective equipment, usually referred to as PPE, are gears that people wear to lessen their exposure to different hazards. This may be chemical, physical, electrical, radiological, or mechanical. The use of these PPEs will help the wearer protect himself from potential injuries and illnesses.

All PPEs are carefully designed, manufactured, and produced to ensure the best protection of the wearer. Today, as we fight against COVID-19, PPEs play a massive role in reducing the spread of the virus. Wearing PPEs such as plastic face shields, safety goggles, face masks, and the like prevents the wearer from being exposed to the virus.

What Measures Professionals and Companies Use to Fight the Pandemic?

Different establishments have been taking precautionary measures to help combat the pandemic we are facing. Several strategies have been implemented to fit the establishment setting.

Here are some measures being practiced by different businesses, such as bars, restaurants, shops, and more:

• Thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces that are frequently touched by the customers, such as tables, chairs, door handles, menu, and the like
• Improving the ventilation of the areas to create a more open and well-ventilated space
• Minimising and discouraging sharing of items that are hard to clean or disinfect
• Placement of physical barriers in the middle of the table
• Placement of tapes or markings on the floor to help maintain physical distancing
• Limiting the number of people who can enter the establishment at the same time to maintain physical distancing
• Encouraging the customers to choose the "to go" option instead of dining inside the establishment
• Implementing a "no mask, no entry" policy to ensure the protection of everyone in the establishment

Face Shields

Plastic face shields are commonly used to protect the wearer from being exposed to hazardous microorganisms that may be contracted from droplets and splashes. Face shields are made from polycarbonate and polyester film (PET). It is meant to protect the whole face of the wearer because it can cover the forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, and extends below the chin.

The wearing of face shields deems to be additional protection aside from wearing face masks. When you wear it, the droplets will not go directly into the wearer's face. It serves as a good barrier between your face and the droplets that may carry the virus.

Safety Goggles

Aside from contracting the virus from respiratory droplets and close contact with carriers, it can also be obtained if one touches the eyes after touching a surface where the virus landed. And since the virus can also be introduced to the eyes, this is when safety goggles come into play.

Safety goggles offer protection because it prevents the particles from landing into your eyes. It also prevents the wearer from touching or scratching the eyes, especially after handling objects that may contain the virus.

Digital Thermometers

One of the most tell-tale signs of having the virus is fever. As a reliable PPE, digital thermometers play a great role in telling whether a person is displaying signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Checking the temperature upon entry to any establishment like malls, restaurants, and offices is mandatory before entry to ensure that no one sick can enter the premises.

Digital thermometers serve as a great way to screen those with symptoms and those without. This can easily be used to monitor yourself and the people around you.

Face Masks

When the pandemic started, face masks were the first PPE equipment that everyone picked to protect themselves. It is truly one of the best ways to reduce the transmission of the virus. Each type of mask available in the market offers protection, but not at the same level. There are available cloth masks, surgical masks, FFP2 masks, and more.

Face masks serve as a great two-way filter and barrier. It helps protect the wearer, but it also helps protect the people around the wearer. The respiratory particles would be filtered by the mask so the microorganisms that carry the virus would not be spread around everyone.

Conclusion

The use of personal protective equipment is one of the best ways to combat COVID-19. The PPE is made available for use, so we must religiously practice wearing these along with following other safety guidelines. Let us all do our parts in this fight!