Wearing only a face shield to prevent COVID-19 infection or spread is not recommended. Face shields alone have not been shown to protect the person wearing the shield from spreading or being infected with the virus.

COVID-19 can spread through the air in very small droplets. The droplets can go around face shields at the sides or bottom. The virus can then infect the person through the nose, mouth, or eyes.

Face masks can prevent the virus from entering the nose or mouth. Clear face shields, goggles, or other eye coverings may be used to prevent the virus from entering the wearer's eyes.

There is little information about the risk of COVID-19 infection through the eyes, but scientists believe it is possible through droplets or when people touch their eyes. Researchers have studied aerosol droplets. These studies guide recommendations for face shields for healthcare workers. There is limited guidance for when or if the public should wear both face masks and face shields.

The World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that healthcare workers wear face shields along with face masks, gowns, and gloves during some medical procedures. They also recommend these measures when caring for patients with suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19.

In their public guidance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that clear face shields, goggles, or other eye coverings should not be used alone to prevent COVID-19 infection. They also say that a face shield may be used together with a face mask for protection.

Face shields are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE). Other types of PPE include face masks, protective eye goggles, gloves, gowns, and other equipment. Proper use of PPE can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

During the pandemic many people have wondered about minimum PPE needs. Access (e.g., cost, limited supply), comfort and look (e.g., heat, difficulty breathing), cleaning, and other barriers may play a role. It is important to remember that PPE lowers the risk of infection. PPE does not make the risk of infection go away. People can still become infected with COVID-19 even when they use PPE.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the World Health Organization recommends the following: - Follow local guidelines. - Practice social distancing and avoid crowds, especially indoors. - Wear a well fitting face mask. - Wash your hands often. - Get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you.

It is important to remember that people infected with COVID-19 may not appear or feel sick. Even if they do not have symptoms, people who are infected can spread the virus to others. Tightly woven cloth or medical (surgical) face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially in unvaccinated people.

Well fitting face masks cover a person's nose and mouth from all sides. They can help to keep both the person wearing the mask and people who are near the mask wearer safe.

1. The masks catch droplets that are released when the mask wearer speaks, sneezes, coughs or sings.
2. Face masks also filter virus-containing droplets. These droplets get stuck in the mask instead of entering the nose or mouth of the mask wearer.

People who are fully vaccinated may not need to wear face masks in some settings. Everyone should follow local health guidance for mask wearing, gatherings, and social distancing.