Unexpectedly to me, but my patients have recognized smiling faces regardless of the presence of the mask. The eyes can tell a lot.

Thanks, Wojciech Feleszko . But, what about babies & children? Are they able to perceive expressions adequately?

In my workplace, radiology department in children's hospital, all staff wear a clear face visor with a Disney/cartoon character attached at the top (above your head) which is laminated and therefore wipeable with disinfectant. We have some masks with the clear panel over the mouth, used for people who lipread, these are also better for children to see your smile.

With a full covered face mask where staff have to use more eye expression it is actually a bit more exhausting keeping up the happy smiley face more !

We have in-house made cloth face masks (folded type) made in bright colourful material, given to patients and guardians (who can wear them) as they enter the hospital, so everyone has the same, they can bring their own face covering, of course.

It is a shame that most of our little toys have been removed from use (the big toys are constantly disinfected) and the usual nice things we have going on are currently on hold, eg: musicians, story tellers, magicians, balloon sculptors, visiting celebs etc

There is fever for around two to three days along with abdominal pain, loose motions. 100% patients have fever, 80% have loose motions and vomiting, 60% children's eyes are red, and others have blisters in the month and rashes on the skin. We need to watch this carefully and if you see these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. We are reporting such cases every alternate day

Protective gear is obviously a hindrance. But your safety, as well as patient safety, should take priority. Hope this period passes off soon.

yes. true.. v can use child friendly tactics ,like cartoon masks etc for pediatric patients