Plexiglas-style barriers are widely used to stop the spread of COVID-19, but experts are divided on how effective plastic shields are at schools, offices and stores.

COVID research suggest in most situations plastic barriers are not effective, and sometimes, might make things worse. However, there are cases when it does work.

A growing body of research suggests it’s time to rethink those anti-COVID plastic barriers. There is some evidence the barriers can actually increase the risk of infection.

CBS13 showed the barriers to the manager at Cascada Cantina and Restaurant just down the street. They too were packed for lunch on a Monday. "People are excited to be back," said Kim Johnston.

ACI Plastics’s branch in Kansas City, Missouri, has seen demand shift to plastic barriers for offices, schools and hospitals to block the spread of COVID-19.