Disclosed herein are protective apparatuses for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to one another. Said apparatuses may comprise a receiving component comprising a first aperture comprising a series of flanges; as well as a substantially transparent shield component. Protective apparatuses of the present disclosure may be used to protect dentists and other healthcare workers from transmission of infectious agents through aerosols and through transmission of droplets and other bodily fluids that may contain infectious agents and likewise may be used to protect patients in the same manner. Also disclosed herein are systems comprising such protective apparatuses installed to a substantially cylindrical suctioning device such as a vacuum hose or operatively attached to an articulating mechanical arm. Also disclosed herein are methods of using such protective apparatuses and systems to mitigate the risk of transmission of infectious diseases between, without limitation, patients and healthcare workers treating such patients.