West Sussex Misleading Covid-19 Protection Adverts Condemned

Monday, 14 December 2020 21:44

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Paramedic correctly wearing face covering beneath visor (Photo: © August Blanqui / Creative Commons)

Don't wear a plastic visor on its own without a fabric face covering as well - that's the message from West Sussex Public Health and Trading Standards services.

Residents are being warned that plastic visors on their own are not sufficient to limit the spread of COVID-19.

All advice is that visors must be worn with an additional fabric face mask in order to be effective.

The warning comes after West Sussex Trading Standards officers noticed some sellers in the county were advertising the visors using images of people without a face covering.

Officials called these adverts "misleading", saying they give the impression that residents will help protect transmission to others with just a visor.

But this is not the case.

Officers said today (December 14) they are working to ensure all companies advertise these products legally and in line with official guidance.

Peter Aston, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, said:

"The Government guidance is clear that wearing a face visor in isolation does not count as a face covering under the Coronavirus legislation.

"They work well when used with a fabric face covering but are not at all effective on their own.

"We are identifying West Sussex sellers of visors and making sure that any adverts, especially those on online platforms, don't mislead the public by, for example showing a person wearing a visor without wearing a fabric face covering as well."

Tony Hill, Interim Director of Public Health for West Sussex County Council, added:

"West Sussex is currently in tier two, high alert.

"Restaurants and other businesses have been able to re-open under certain restrictions, so it is important that everyone takes the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them from COVID-19.

"A face visor or shield may be worn in addition to a face covering but not instead of one.

"This is because face visors or shields do not adequately cover the nose and mouth.

"Please also continue to wash your hands regularly, and maintain space with other people."

Residents can report unfair trading practises to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 08082231133 or online via https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport