Why Sneeze Guards and Why Now?

With the looming threat of relapsing into the Covid-19 pandemic on the horizon, it is of utmost importance for the public to join in efforts towards a healthy and safer tomorrow. As we move on from these tumultuous times, the reopening of businesses across the country correlates with a sharp increase of in-person interactions and breaching of social-distancing suggestions. We, a civilization challenged by one of life's greatest mysteries, are on our way toward social-economic recovery. In terms of progress, the possibility of walking backward should be a thought expelled from our very minds. Glass Sneeze Guards are to play, one, if not the most, vital role in protecting one another from droplet-based contamination. Like Masks, which have rightfully become a global phenomenon, Sneeze Guards are being adopted and implemented into our daily lives as a part of the 'New Norm' to facilitate the challenges yet to come.

As social interactions are yet again on the rise towards normality, society has shifted towards a perspective that views sneezing or coughing as a deadly threat, whether the individual is wearing a mask or not. The risks involved with both workers and Clientele interacting are at an all-time high; the possibility of contamination occurring within a simple conversation is quite frankly anxiety-inducing. The need to manage these meetings safely and with appropriate caution is crucial. 

Sneezing is a natural human occurrence, happening millions of times in a single day throughout the world. That being said, it is up to the individual to practice good sanitary habits, using tissues or napkins to stop the bacterial or pathogenic spread. Some individuals, however, sneeze openly into the air; they either don't practice good sanitary habits or can't react quickly enough. An ordinary Sneeze is capable of traveling as far as 200 feet from the point of origin in a cone-shaped radius, as stated in research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT; the need for physical protection is vital. 

These ‘Ordinary Sneezes’ can transport approximately 100,000 germinal objects, at a speed of 100 miles per hour in multiple directions, and with a high risk of contamination or spread. Sneeze Guards are, by definition, physical barriers separating customers and workers undergoing in-person interactions, designed to protect food or people from the exposure to respiratory droplets, which are dispensed when coughing, sneezing, or even talking, making them the most efficient way of protection from these ‘Deadly Sneezes.’

Invented by a man named Johnny Garneau, Glass Shields, or more commonly known as Sneeze Guards, were initially created to prevent contamination at buffets and self-service food counters. In fact, food guards are vital to the cleanliness and operation of a food-based business. In the 1960s, the FDA established the mandatory presence of food guards across all 50 states. Still, their more common usage is predominantly due to the Corona Virus outbreak. It is quite interesting to see how Glass Sneeze Guards have changed throughout the years, transitioning from eateries to being used in local and commercial businesses of all shapes and sizes. 

When customers see the utilization of Sneeze Guards, they have high standards regarding sanitation and cleanliness, which is essential for businesses that have their Clientele's wellness in mind. Stylish and high quality, these Sneeze Barriers help keep a sense of health and hygiene in businesses as we reopen across the United States, significantly minimizing the risks of pathogen spread. These Sneeze Guards provide a positive experience for customers and employees and help keep the mind at ease as we return to work. 

Why Choose Glass Instead of Acrylic Sneeze Guards? 

Made from Glass, a non-crystalline, often transparent amorphous solid, with widespread practical uses in technological, decorative, and commercial applications, such as windows, optics, Sneeze Guards, and tables. The Glass material allows for unparalleled transparency and radiates a sense of luxury and sophistication the latter is unable to match. The usage of Glass provides durability, all the while having a delicate and sturdy feel to the Sneeze Guards. 

Unlike Acrylic Sneeze Guards, which are made to order, Glass Sneeze Guards are highly customizable and can be detailed to the customer's request. With the ability to be constructed quite rapidly, they lack any detriments to their design and practicality, benefiting quite significantly from the Glass material and flawless design, these Sneeze Guards are undeniably helpful in the push against the pandemic. 

While some may take the alternative route and choose Plexiglass Sneeze Guards, the version of the Barrier that is made of Glass has many benefits over its counterpart. The Glass Sneeze Guards include benefits that are not limited to, increased difficulty to be scratched or broken. While this may not seem significant, bacterial growth in scratches is quite common and counterproductive to the purpose behind Sneeze Guards. These Acrylic Sneeze Guards are also held together with pins that cause bacterial growth to accumulate over time, thus increasing risks. Sneeze Guards made of Glass are seamless, and do not allow any small objects to gather in any crevices. The Glass Barriers are also easily cleaned and maintained in an ageless stage, flawless, keeping your business shining like new!

Glass Sneeze Guards allow for the utilization of Tempered Glass, a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with regular materials. Tempered Glass is widely known by officials to be the best material for Sneeze Guards, and the ability to support increased amounts of weight and pressure does not hurt it's viability. 

To once more reiterate, the reasons to choose Glass Sneeze Guards over Acrylic Sneeze Guards are the following: 

• Scratching- Acrylic scratches very easily, to the extent that if you accidentally clean it with paper towels, it can permanently damage the acrylic. Glass, on the other hand, is relatively scratch resistant.

• Germ-Free - Acrylic is porous, whereas glass is anti-microbial. A lot of healthcare providers and hospitals choose glass over anything simply for this reason. It can easily be sterilized which is essential in the current state of the world. Due to its tempered design, it holds up in very demanding work-spaces.

• Cleaning - Acrylic can only be cleaned with warm water and soap. If any other cleaner is used, you will perhaps crack the acrylic and permanently damage it, thus It must be replaced. Glass can be cleaned with any number of disinfectant cleansers without damaging the surface.

Are Sneeze Guards Only for Restaurants? 

Due to their appearance, the allusion of space being taken up is simply a myth, these Glass Sneeze Guards are thin, and minimalistic, supporting a sleek, flawless design. With Glass Sneeze Guards, the world of possibilities is endless; Glass barriers are impeccably suited for any business. 

With a variety of shapes and sizes, work-spaces such as desks, offices, or even salons and hostess-stands can benefit from these Glass Barriers. Their application includes but is not limited to: 

• Food and Beverage Industry 

• Hospitality Industry 

• Health care Industry 

• Pharmaceutical Industry 

• Retail Businesses 

• Schools and Universities

• Banks

• Convenience Stores

While businesses shift towards a more modern aesthetic, the need to avoid becoming a relic is essential to both the owner's and workers' success and prosperity. Glass is a material that will never become outdated in any sense, from Frameless Shower Doors to Glass Storefronts, Glass Sneeze Guards have a look and feel that is both futuristic and eye-catching. These properties allow for the seamless integration of Sneeze Guards in the businesses listed above, and many more. 

One of the most critical aspects of creating a high-quality Glass Sneeze Barrier is for the company of your choice to maintain an unfailing focus on design. The Glass company must always make your requirements the primary focus in creating a sneeze guard that functions to your needs. They must take the products that your business offers, your aesthetic, and, most importantly, the brand your business embraces to enhance your products and the customer experience. 

Since no two businesses are the same, it's common to see Sneeze Guards installed in many different shapes and sizes, often-times custom-built for their location. At Delta Glass, we create Sneeze Guards for any work environment. In addition to our large selection of standard Sneeze Guards, we will also work directly with business owners to create specially designed and custom glass pieces for their work-spaces. 

Although the CDC encourages the usage of Sneeze Guards to defend against COVID-19, there are currently no enforceable federal guidelines or regulations specifying shields for this particular subject. The FDA regulates food protection guards only, allowing buffet restaurants, hospital and school cafeterias, and more to have Sneeze Guards on display. Sneeze Guards ultimately are useful in the fight against the global pandemic; however, we all need to unite as a single group to enforce the proper implementation and conduct of these protective barriers in our everyday lives

We at Delta Glass, have decades of experience, decades focused on customer satisfaction and striving for perfection in all projects. The need to deliver as requested, both in a fast and low-mess manner, is of utmost importance to the company’s motto. The bendability and adaptability to the customer's every choice is an ability we strive upon and use to grow as both a business and as individuals.

Give Delta Glass a call or email, and we will schedule an appointment at your discretion, providing a quote for the fabrication and installation of your Glass Sneeze Guard.