As South Africa battles to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, South African NGO, Smile Foundation, has donated 4000 N95 masks, and 300 cutting-edge imported masks with “germ trap” technology to medical workers on South Africa’s frontline.
There’s been growing concern across the country around shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks, visors, gloves and disposable aprons.
“Smile Foundation responded hurriedly during this crucial time. We are beyond appreciative for the work being done by SA’s frontline workers, and we hope we can make a significant difference by providing masks that will help to protect and support them as they continue to put themselves on the line,” said Hedley Lewis, CEO of Smile Foundation.
Virustatic Shield masks have a powerful antiviral coating that neutralises against 96% of known pathogens including Covid-19 and acts as a barrier that traps and disrupts the virus’ protective membrane on contact.
“The mask neutralises the virus droplets by making it think that it has been “absorbed” into the lungs and is killed as it touches the protein base on the masks. It is lightweight, reusable and washable, and moulds to the face, so medical workers can wear it comfortably for hours at a time,” Lewis added.
“Marc Lubner, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Smile Foundation, felt pioneering solutions needed to be sought to better protect the country’s medical workers on the frontline.
“Marc’s goal is to bring in the best of its fields, as was his focus 20 years ago with the inception of Smile Foundation. Marc has enabled this vision which is ingrained and lived by all of us at Smile Foundation,” he added.
Heidre Malgas
