Posted on: Mon 20-07-2020

The Fellows and Members of the Ghana Chapter of the West African College of Surgeons and the Ghana Medical Association have noted with alarm the increasing use of face shields without masks as protection against COVID-19.

This is a very dangerous trend that must be discontinued by the general public with immediate effect. Continuous use of face shields without mask by the general public will lead to increased cases of COVID-19 in the country. The public is advised to wear masks at all times.

The use of Face Shields alone (without a face mask) does not give the user the needed protection against COVID-19 especially in the light of potential air borne spread of the virus from emerging scientific evidence. 

Face shields protect against splashes, and may be added to a mask. Face shields should not be used as a replacement for masks in protecting one against COVID-19.

There have been unsubstantiated reports on some social media platforms about a decrease in blood oxygen concentration as well as a buildup of carbon dioxide when one uses a mask. As medical doctors (especially surgeons), we wear face masks all the time in the course of work and no such derangements have been observed. We entreat the general public to disregard these social media report. 

The no mask – no entry policy should be rigorously enforced. A face shield is NOT a mask. The use of face shields without mask should not be encouraged and must be stopped. 

Signed:

Dr. Frank Ankobea

President, GMA

Pro. Peter Donkor 

1st Vice-President and Country Representative 

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