COVID-19 Safety: This Plastic Tube Covering Your Head Aims To Make Your Commute Safer

COVID-19 has surely resulted in the creation of some really whacky things, from a personal and public health perspective.

From innovative germ-destroying face masks to space-suit like contraptions to help you commute safely, to office spaces that encourage social distancing and make working environments COVID-19 free.

Plastock

And now, we¡¯ve come across another somewhat shocking but equally ingenious creation called 360 Persona Screen.

Developed by UK-based Plastock, when you first look at it, it looks like a giant transparent acrylic pipe, and it somewhat is that, except, instead of flowing water, it is designed to house a human. The acrylic pipe is a sort of 360-degree face shield that someone can simply put over the top of their head while commuting.

Not just a face shield

The tube doesn¡¯t have any straps to securely hold itself in place, but it does have cutouts for arms and shoulders to rest without causing any hindrances.

Apparently it is made to order and has an average length of 650mm (roughly 25 inches) with a diameter of 350mm (roughly 13 inches), which is plenty of room for our head and shoulders.

Does it look odd? Very. Is it practical though? Maybe. The thing is, compared to a conventional face shield or masks even, you are offered a bit more space. Its 360-degree nature prevents unwanted contact by people in tight spaces like subway or buses. In such cases, it acts as a very tangible barrier that would offer protection.

The top is open for ventilation and is higher so even if someone sneezes right on your face, chances of it getting in are fairly low.

Commuting in COVID-19 era

The shoulder cutout does make sure that it doesn¡¯t impact the mobility of the wearer and he can do basic tasks like he normally would, while commuting.

Plastock

One thing that I am most concerned about is obviously how durable it is going to be. Sure, acrylic is known to be sturdy in nature, but it is also known to be prone to scratches. And no one would like their view all scratched up -- something one cannot avoid when travelling in crowded trains.

Additionally, people with claustrophobia might not really like wearing something like this on top of their head. However, priced at ?95.00 GBP which is approximately Rs 9,500 it surely isn¡¯t as cheap as you¡¯d expect it to be.

Would you wear something like this to commute everyday? Tell us in the comments below.