A protective apparatus for use in medical and dental procedures to prevent exposure and exchange of harmful substances between an area isolated by the apparatus and the environment of use. The apparatus includes a physical shield, a vacuum barrier, and an adjustable support frame. The apparatus further includes a vacuum connector for connecting the apparatus to a vacuum source, a vacuum conduit for flow communicating with the air around the perimeter of the physical shield such that the vacuum source draws air along with solid and liquid matter entrained in the air into the vacuum conduit, and a plurality of vacuum apertures located along the vacuum conduit for communicating the vacuum source with the air. The apparatus provides protection for persons in proximity to a source of harmful substances such as aerosols derived from patients infected with viruses or the like and more in particular corona viruses.