LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Medical experts have repeatedly recommended we wear face masks in public to slow the spread of the virus, and in some places, like Las Vegas, masks are mandatory.
But did you know, the CDC is now recommending you wear eye protection as well to reduce transmission?
A new, Las Vegas-based mask-making company is offering a face shield solution that they say is customizable and comfortable and provides protection for your mouth, nose, and eyes.
Prior to the pandemic, CEO Todd Koren employed 150 people under his trade show exhibit building company, Absolute Exhibits.
But because of this pandemic, the trade shows have stopped and Koren has had to slash his staff to about a dozen employees.
"I looked at the equipment we have, the knowledge we have, and I said, 'Well if we can make 2,000 square-foot fabric structures, why can’t we make a one square-foot fabric mask?'" asked Koren.
So, he started "Love Shop Give," his new custom face-covering company, where his workers are hand-sewing and selling masks entirely in Las Vegas.
And now, Koren's excited about two new additions to the "Love Shop Give" mask menu.
"The three main ways the virus gets in is through the mouth, nose, and the eyes. So, a product like this is triple coverage," said Shannon O'Toole, the inventor of the "ShanShield."
For those who find conventional cloth masks somewhat stifling, O'Toole says her two ShanShield models are more comfortable and they provide more protection.
"So, the protection is on the sides of the face and it’s down below the chin. That’s where mine offers more protection," said O'Toole.
From doctors to dealers and travelers to teachers, O'Toole says she designed the "ShanShield" specifically for people who want others to see their full face.
"You’re less intimidating as an adult to small children when they can see you smile," said O'Toole, "when they can see your teeth, when they can see your lips move."
"Communication is a lot easier when you see someone’s lips and you see the words that they’re forming," she added.
Together, Todd and Shannon are hoping to slow the spread in Las Vegas.
For every mask they sell, they'll donate one to be worn by a less fortunate face, and they will donate an additional 20% of the masks bought in bulk by businesses.
"This virus doesn’t go away if one part of our community still has it," said Koren.
"If those who can afford to put a mask on wear one and are diligent yet a segment of our local population doesn’t, then we’re all in trouble still and that doesn’t work," he said.
Koren's goal is to donate 100,000 masks by this Thanksgiving.
If you're interested in buying a mask or a "ShanShield," click this link.
