By Cory Stieg
Wearing goggles (click here) or eye shields in addition to a mask might be a good idea to avoid Covid-19, White House advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said during an interview on Instagram Live Wednesday.
“Theoretically, you should protect all the mucosal surfaces,” Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton. That includes your nose, mouth and eyes. “So if you have goggles or an eye shield, you should use it.”...
Early on the issue of "blood shot" eyes came up by trained personnel who were in contact with these patients. Then I believe some time ago a journalist that traveled via jet was decked out in everything anti-SARS-CoV-2, except, his eyes and shortly afterward he reported to the public that he contracted COVID-19 and believed it was through his eyes.
In the picture above this is a person wearing a mask and a shield. The shield protects the eyes and the entire of her face. I am seeing more and more of these shields worn by professionals while caring for the patients. It isn't for me to say as to whether the general public should be wearing them, but, it is my opinion that wearing eyewear such as goggles or sunglasses or eyeglass frames with a safety plastic for the lens will provide the same protection as the shield in day to day activity. It is what I wear anyway. I wear prescription eyeglasses. I don't wear anything else, but, have been recommending them to friends and family when they are out and about even if they don't need prescription eyewear.
I also recommend washing the face, including lips and any exposed areas of the neck and chest, when returning from time away from home. It is my opinion that germs will cling to skin, be it SARS-CoV-2 or average everyday bacteria. Wash hands first, then rinse well and then wash face and exposed neck and chest. Plain old soap and water will do. Hand sanitizer is not necessary UNLESS there is no soap and water available. Then pat dry with a face towel or any other towel one has available. Paper towels can be harsh on the skin for some people. But, when finished put the towel in the laundry hamper and leave a fresh face towel from the closet at the side of the sink for the next person in the household and/or guest.
There are "summertime scarves" or gaiters. (click here). They do not cover the forehead. I don't use this so much as simply wash the face when I arrive home. I trust my skin to be intact when leaving home.
That is what I am doing and what I recommend to people I know well. Anyone else can ask their own professionals and they might get different answers. It is basically good hygiene and nearly mandatory for people with acne.
IF PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES, THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VIRUS AND BACTERIA TO LAND ON THE SKIN IS LESS.
