Retail, medical, educational and manufacturing facilities are implementing changes due to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, a respiratory illness believed to spread primarily by droplets from coughs or sneezes of infected persons to those nearby. Many businesses are installing clear personal protective barriers to physically shield employees from each other and from consumers to reduce potential exposure to the virus. In many applications, the barriers will become a permanent fixture; therefore, aesthetics and cleanability are important design considerations. Barriers can be constructed of plastic sheet or glass. Glass has several advantages in physical barrier applications and may be preferred over plastic, especially for permanent and public-facing barrier installations. Compared to plastic, glass is easy-to-clean, transparent and aesthetically-pleasing.

The Technical Services Division of the National Glass Association (NGA) has produced this Glass Technical Paper solely for informational purposes. This Paper was developed by dedicated member volunteers and subject matter experts. This document was approved and published in June 2020. All purchases will be electronically accessed or delivered.