As the economy continues to open up and students return to school, there need to be protective measures to keep Covid-19 and its variants under control. There is no full replacement for in-person education, and both students and staff need to be protected from interacting. To make sure that we are taking every precaution available to us, there must be constant sanitation efforts for students, teachers, and other members of staff.
Current evidence has indicated that Covid-19 spreads for the most part through respiratory droplets and short-range aerosols, which are droplets too small to see. These droplets and aerosols are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or simply breathes. PPE can create an effective barrier between students and the various types of staff so that our young can be educated with minimal possible risk. Some of the PPE that can protect our students and the staff is listed next.
Facemasks
Both teachers and students need to wear a mask that will protect them from infection from Covid-19 but at the same time are comfortable, layered, and at the same time breathable enough so that it won't muffle their voice.
Reusable face masks should be a double layer of breathable material such as cotton. Other usable materials are silk, flannel, and polyester. Cotton is the most popular choice because it is breathable even in a tight weave, and the tighter the weave, the better the mask will protect you.
Disposable masks can also be very comfortable, especially because they are lightweight and breathable. These masks are often made of melt-blown non-woven polypropylene that offers excellent protection, and if you buy them in bulk, you can replace them often without having to run to the washer.
Face Shields
Some teachers may wish to forgo a face mask and instead choose to wear a face shield. The benefits of a face shield are that the teacher's voice will not be muffled, and it will provide students a better look at the teacher's facial expressions. Face shields should fit from the forehead to below the chin and should wrap around the sides of the face.
Eye Protection
The Covid-19 virus can enter the body through mucous membranes, and besides the nose and the mouth, these types of membranes cover the conjunctiva of the eyes. Protecting the eyes with goggles can keep respiratory droplets and aerosol droplets from making their way to the vulnerable mucous membranes of that area.
Some safety goggles are more like protective glasses, which offer an easy solution that is more stylish and better matches with everyday clothing. You can also wear more heavy-duty goggles, and while they may appear more obvious when you wear them, they also offer more protection. Whichever pair you choose, they should touch the forehead and fit snugly upon the face while wrapping around the eyes. Using PPE may not always appeal to our vanity, but the precautions you take by using them may save lives.