Researchers develop cheap anti-coronavirus face shield

Tokyo: In a bid to fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19), Japanese researchers have developed an extremely cheap anti-coronavirus face shield, using a clear plastic file as the shield.

The face shield was completed in three days after they came up with the idea, according to the study from Osaka University in Japan, in collaboration with Charmant, a global manufacturer of eyeglass frames (Sabae, Fukui).

"The collaborative development project between our university and Charmant was based on the idea that it would become easier to locally procure and produce face shields if it were possible to create frames with 3D printers, which have recently become more sophisticated and affordable, from locally-available, common materials," said researchers. When dealing with coronavirus disease, it is essential for healthcare personnel to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

However, the unexpectedly rapid spread of the disease has led to a shortage of important components of personal protective equipment, including masks, face shields, and gowns.

It has been reported that some healthcare professionals in New York are forced to provide treatment wearing garbage bags to cover their bodies.

According to the researchers, usually, countries export personal protective equipment to affected countries as emergency supplies.

However, in cases such as the current coronavirus pandemic, where outbreaks are occurring at an unprecedented, rapid pace in numerous locations around the world both in developed and emerging countries, conventional procurement methods such as emergency exports/imports are unfeasible.

The face shield may be very useful in regions already facing a serious shortage of shields and masks, as well as African countries where there is a growing concern about the spread of the virus.

The 3D data for the frame and the video showing how to assemble the face shield were made available free of charge at the website -- 'www.project-engine.org'.