The world is in the thick of combating a global pandemic that is currently subject to temporary lockdown in several countries owing to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The global population has witnessed disruption in shortage of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food supplies, and essential commodities along with an increase in the demand for certain healthcare and medical products, such as high flow ventilators and face shields over the last few weeks.
In this unprecedented time of crisis, government authorities across the world are implementing remedies for economic and social succor on an evolvingbasis. The pandemic has witnessed companies across every landscape robustly supporting and offering their resources to governments and hospitals. This is being done to obviate the shortages owing to deficit in regional production on account of import restrictions on medical products and reduced delivery slots by e-commerce retailers.
Researchers are anticipating that the situation might get worse in the coming few weeks as coronavirus is spreading rapidly in almost every country. Access to personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields is severely limited and testing remains inadequate.
Healthcare professionals have mandated the use face shields while attending to COVID-19 patients. Face shields along with other PPE such as protective gowns and examination gloves are helping keep nurses and doctors safe at the time of treating patients with this disease.
With the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for medical professionals to wear N95 masks, the demand for face shields is surging as they are being used as filtration for tiny droplets and airborne particles. Owing to this, companies are supporting hospitals by ramping up face shield production and making it accessible. For instance:
The supply of face shields in many countries is plummeting with a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus patients. Due to the shortage of face shields in hospitals, many ER physicians have started toproduce medical gear with off-the-shelf materials: marine-grade vinyl, foam & elastic, and industrial tape.
Countries such as Italy, Spain, and the U.S. are unable to fulfill the demand for certain medical gear. Further, the Defense Production Act has been implemented in the U.S that helps in monitoring the flow of safety equipment reaching customers. In addition, it will allow the federal government to send out some masks and other PPE from Strategic National Stockpile to respective hospitals.
With a rapid increase in the demand for protective equipment, especially in areas hit hardby the virus, many companies have come ahead to support the medical centers and healthcare workers.In March 2020, the University of Northern Colorado researcherslargely contributed to the efforts to fill up the demand and supply gap of face shields.
The researchers are nowusing 3D printers to develop the bottom part of the face shield that easily holds clear plastic in a curve to protect the face.
The university has started taking orders for face shields from a few of the local hospitals, thereby, resulting in the faster manufacturing of face shields. Moreover, Northwestern University researchers have demonstrated the ability to produce 1,000 components for face shields per day with the help of 3D printer.
3D printing technology is successfully supporting the healthcare sectors in meeting the demands of the doctors and nurses to help the world get over thispandemic.
Face shields are being frequently used in myriad medical applications along with the mining industry. In most of the countries, the government has made it mandatory for the miners to wear protective goggles and face shields depending upon the operations performed.
Furthermore, face shields have gained traction in the defense and construction sector. Ballistic face shield comprises of heavy-duty thermoplastic resin and polycarbonate materials that are commonly used bypolicemen during riots. Other specialty face guards are often used in welding applications to protect the face from being affected by sparks, optical radiation, and intense heat.
Mahindra and Mahindra is anIndian multinational leader in car manufacturing. In March 2020, the company announced production of face shield masks for healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, support staff, and medical attendants. The company has sourced the design of the face shields from its partner- Ford Motor Company. Mahindra and Mahindra will manufacture 500 units at its Mumbai plant.
Mahindra and Mahindra has also collaborated with suppliers such as Krishna Maruti Ltd and Bharat Seats Ltd to help in the production of protective clothing and masks for the central and state government employees.
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