COVID-19 - The Low-Cost Sneeze Guard

As we started to direct our attention toward the needs of local small businesses, we recognized some key gaps in the market - certain things that many businesses need, and that are either very expensive, hard to get, or both. Sneeze guards fall into this category - the available solutions are expensive because of the cost of the raw materials they use, and availability is intermittent.

We conducted some informal needs surveys of small businesses, and virtually every one reported that they need one or more sneeze guards. Sneeze guards block direct transmission of exhalation, sneezes and coughs. They sit on counters, on desks, and on tables to reduce transmission of COVID-19 virus when face-to-face interactions are necessary. Retail, restaurant, salons, professional services, office reception areas need sneeze guards that they did not have or need before this pandemic, and will not need after it subsides. Many of these businesses need more than one. We have conducted needs surveys of small businesses served by various organizations, and nearly every response has indicated a need for one or more sneeze guards.

Commercially available sneeze guards start at $75, and sneeze guards of the size of our basic model are often over $100. This is especially problematic because the expected life cycle of these units ends when the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a daily threat. We recognized a need for a lower-impact and lower-cost design system, and our Subsidized Low Cost Sneeze Guard is the first product emerging from our development effort.

Small businesses are in uniquely challenging circumstances as a result of the COVID pandemic. Most are dealing with a drop in customer demand along with increasing costs to manage a COVID-safe operation. Providing essential items like sneeze guards to these businesses allows them to focus on the unique needs of their operations.

Our team, which includes local partners m0xy and the College of Alameda FabLab community, have developed a design which can be produced quickly, at scale, and much less expensively than other alternatives. In addition to smart design and engineering, we are able to leverage generous donations of plastic from the Coca Cola company, which further reduce the cost to produce and deliver these units.

LOW COST SNEEZE GUARDS IN THE WILD

At a Church

The College Avenue Presbyterian Church does a weekly meal for the hungry. They use our sneeze guards allows to serve more safely.

At a Real Estate office

Varnell Owens is a real estate agent who often needs to meet with clients. Our sneeze guard helps her and her clients meet more safely.

For a mixologist

The Cat House bar has customers passing by their bar on the way to their outdoor patio. Those customers often stop to say a few words. Our sneeze guards help protect bartender and other people’s drinks.

At a restaurant pickup counter

Gogi Time has a pickup counter where their staff interacts with customers and delivery drivers. They use our sneeze guard to help them manage this function more safely.

At a children's store

Goldenbug is using our sneeze guard for their point of sale counter when customers pick up their online orders

At a coffee shop

Modern Coffee needed a sneeze guard to use on their new pickup counter at their front door, so customers could get their drinks without having to go inside their space.

Multiple Sneeze Guards solving complex problems

Modern Coffee isn’t open for indoor service yet, but they’re making sure they’re ready when the time comes. They needed a barrier to separate customers from baristas and supplies. Two of our sneeze guards are able to do the job.

This creative use of our simple low cost product saved Modern Coffee literally hundreds of dollars quoted for a custom design and installation of a traditional acrylic barrier.

At a Noodle House

R’Noodles needed protection on their pickup table at their front door

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EASY ASSEMBLY WITH NO TOOLS, GLUE, OR FASTENERS

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PRICING

QUANTITY

1-29

30-199

200+

500+

COST PER UNIT

$45

$35

$25

$25 INCLUDES OPTIONAL LASER-ETCHED LOGO ON FRAME

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FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

Above dimensions in inches

Materials

PET-G clear plastic shield, engineered wood frame of prefinished maple veneer. 

Includes fasteners and easy-to-remove double-sided tape for attaching to tables or counters. Optional clamps available for temporary mounting to tables and counters up to 1 ¾” deep ($4/pair).

CUSTOM ORDERS

Our Sneeze Guards can be produced in a range of materials and finishes, and in configurations of daisy-chained segments for larger installations. Please contact us with your unique needs.

I’m Interested!