GMA, College of Surgeons caution against use of face shield without mask

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the West African College of Surgeons (Ghana Chapter) have stated that the continuous use of face shields without masks will increase cases of Covid-19.

“Continuous use of face shields without mask by the general public will lead to increased cases of COVID-19 in the country”.

In a joint release, the two bodies said this is a very dangerous trend that must be discontinued by the general public with immediate effect.

The release signed by Dr. Frank Ankobea, President of GMA and Prof. Peter Donkor, 1^st Vice President and the country representative of WASC advised the general public to wear the mask at all times regardless of the face shield.

The group explained that the use of face shields alone, without a face mask, does not give the user the needed protection against COVID-19 especially in light of potential air borne spread of the virus from emerging scientific evidence.

“Face shield 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”, they said.

They also asked the public to disregard reports on social media platforms about a decrease in blood oxygen concentration as well as 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 therefore entreat the general public to disregard these social media reports”.

They called for the enforcement of ‘The No Mask, No Entry’, reiterating the use of face shield without mask must not be encouraged.