The acronym PPE, personal protective equipment, may bring visions of hazmat suits and N95 masks to mind, but gear that minimizes exposure to the COVID-19 outbreak is hardly limited to items worn by frontline workers and medical professionals.
Everyday citizens have been suiting up with PPE since the pandemic began in March with a variety of items like cloth masks, gloves, and face shields. And we know these devices help because science tells us so.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the editor of JAMA that “if you don’t want to shut down, at least do the fundamental, basic things, the flagship of which is wearing a mask.” And though we’re closing in on month 10 of this highly infectious virus, the need for these kinds of items has only gotten stronger.
As fall progresses, so too have coronavirus cases across the United States. According to National Geographic, the United States crossed nine million coronavirus cases on October 30. Far from a return to normalcy, if the data indicates anything right now, it’s a need to not only remain vigilant but to up prevention measures as we move into winter.
Buying a new face mask is one way to continue to protect yourself, but what about other PPE devices?
In this guide we’ll look at 6 PPE items people should consider for everyday use.
Kids Face Mask Lanyard / Hanger with Safety Breakaway Clasp
One of the best things you can do for your kids is help them keep track of their face mask and the easiest way to do so is with a safe face mask lanyard. This version, from SpecialistID, includes a breakaway clasp designed to keep kiddos protected from knots or snags. It also keeps them from touching their face or setting their masks down on dirty surfaces by instead allowing a mask to hang around their neck when eating or drinking. As students return to classrooms, this kids face mask lanyard is a PPE peace of mind.
Mask Caddy™ Face Mask Hanger for Car Rear View Mirror or Closet Racks
Who hasn’t gotten in their car after a grocery or gas station run and ripped their face mask off and tossed on the passenger chair? Well, rather than expose a face mask to even more potential contaminants, this Mask Caddy presents a safe way to store it while driving or at home. Instead of setting down your mask on germy surfaces, tack it up on this caddy where it’ll stay free of dirt and in its place until you need it again.
Heavy Duty No Touch Door Opener Tool
While research suggests we don’t need to wipe down groceries for fear of contagion anymore, it’s always a good idea to minimize exposure to dirty surfaces, COVID or not. You could wear medical gloves all the time but that’s not really practical — proper glove usage requires disposal after each use and that can be expensive. Instead, the Heavy Duty No Touch Door Opener gives you a way to operate as usual while eliminating the need to touch things like door handles and ATM keypads. Just use the little key device like an extra digit and punch in codes, open doors, or flush toilets without having your hand make contact with possibly filthy spaces.
Extra Large Six Feet Social Distancing Badge Buddies with Clothing Friendly Badge Clips
Sometimes the greatest PPE is the one that’s unspoken: the mutual agreement to stay socially distant. It can be a hard thing to ask. So don’t. Say it with a badge that really spells it all out. Signal to anyone near you that you need them to stand back and you’ll keep yourself safe in the process.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have made it clear that the best way to protect oneself from contracting COVID-19 is to wear a mask. But to add to that protection, you can wear a face shield on top of your mask. This Specialist ID shield wraps around the face to block aerosol spray on all sides. Ergonomically designed for a comfortable fit and made with latex-free Full Visibility PETG grade plastic, it can be easily cleaned with sanitizing spray.
Breakaway Face Mask Lanyards - Adjustable Straps, Double Clip Face Mask Holders
Adults can benefit from breakaway face mask lanyards too. Rather than constantly touching your face to take your mask on and off as you enter buildings and communal spaces, pull it off from the back with a face mask lanyard, then let the mask rest on your chest instead of sitting on dirty surfaces in between use. Not only can this help keep it clean, it will keep it handy so you never end up without one.
Looking for more PPE options? Specialist ID has a variety of masks, lanyards, and devices designed to keep you, your staff, friends, and family safe.