Face visors are not as effective as masks or face coverings when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, the HSE has warned.
The executive says visors can potentially be helpful in 'limited circumstances', but are not suitable in other scenarios.
It says the limited circumstances for visors include for people with breathing difficulties; people who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing a mask; and in settings with people who have learning difficulties or who are hard of hearing / deaf.
The HSE says evidence suggests that visors "reduce exposure to droplets to a certain extent compared with no face covering", but that cloth masks are more effective.
Dr John Cuddihy, Director HPSC, said: "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."
In cases where visors are used, the HSE says they should cover the entire face and be correctly applied.
Last month, a doctor told Newstalk that face visors are designed primarily for use in healthcare settings to protect healthcare workers' eyes, and are not designed as standalone face protection.
