THE HSE has advised that face masks are much better than visors in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Visors do not provide the same protection as cloth face coverings or masks and are only suitable for specific limited circumstances the HSE has said.

In a statement the HSE moved to remind the public that “cloth face coverings or masks are superior to visors as a measure for prevention of transmission of COVID-19. Expert opinion and international guidance indicate that cloth face coverings or masks are more effective than visors.”

According to Dr John Cuddihy, Director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), “We are grateful to all members of the public who are helping to suppress COVID-19 in our communities by taking daily protective actions. These include wearing face coverings, which help to stop the spread of the virus. Following a recent review of evidence, we know that visors are less effective than cloth face coverings, and yet we are all seeing visors being used day to day. So, our message today is – please wear a face covering, and please don’t see a visor as ‘just as good’. It’s not just as good, and really only suitable for specific circumstances.”

It is important to also remember that face coverings are one part of a range of public health actions we need to take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include, limiting our contacts, keeping physical distance, cleaning hands and covering coughs and sneezes. All the measures work together to protect people. Face coverings are not and never should be seen as a substitute for following all the other public health advice.

Cloth face coverings should be of multiple layers of suitable fabric and correctly applied. Please remember that face masks should cover both your nose and mouth.  Further information on the handling and care of cloth face coverings can be found here.

There is evidence that visors reduce exposure to droplets to a certain extent compared with no face covering. They may be an alternative in certain limited circumstances including:

• People with breathing difficulties
• People who are unable to remove masks/face coverings without help
• Anyone with particular needs who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the mask/face covering
• In settings where people who have learning difficulties or hard of hearing or deaf are present

In the limited scenarios above where visors may be used, they should cover the entire face (above the eyes to below the chin and wrap around from ear to ear) and be correctly applied, the HSE stated.

We are here for you

The Irish Heart Foundation’s nurse support line is available five days a week from 9am to 1pm. Anyone living with heart disease and stroke who has concerns or questions about the coronavirus can contact the nurse support line on 01 668 5001 or support@irishheart.ie.

The Irish Heart Foundation’s new heart support group is on Facebook. Anyone who lives with heart failure or another heart condition or has a family member living with a heart condition can join here: www.facebook.com/groups/heartsupportnetwork/

The Irish Heart Foundation runs 21 stroke support groups and 5 heart failure groups around the country. All these groups have moved to telephone and online support. For more information, see https://irishheart.ie/get-support/.

The Irish Heart Foundation in conjunction with the HSE National Stroke Programme, has launched a new telephone support service for stroke patients who have recently been discharged from hospital. For more information, see here.

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