Disclosed herein are protective apparatuses, and associated systems, for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and/or other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to one another including, for example, transmission through droplets projecting from the mouth or nasal region of an infected individual. Said apparatuses may comprise a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component comprising a connecting aspect. The protective apparatuses may comprise light emitting diodes and associated control means. The protective apparatuses of the present disclosure may further comprise a camera communicatively connected to a display screen.