Published Amidst the COVID-19 crisis around the globe, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation together with Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), and Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology have invented the WIN-Masks: Washable Innovative Nano-Masks to help prevent COVID-19 and PM 2.5 crisis in Thailand.
On March 17th, 2020, Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa, Dean of Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital along with Assoc. Prof. Visit Vamvanij, Director of Siriraj Hospital, Assoc. Prof. Vanna Mahakittikun from the Siriraj Dust Mite Center for Services and Research, Prof. Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai from NRCT, Dr. Nares Damrongchai, Director of TCELS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panich Intra from RMUTL, attended the press conference on the Invention of WIN-Masks: Washable Innovative Nano-Masks at the conference room 203C, 2nd floor, Srisavarindhira building, Siriraj Hospital.
The innovation of WIN-MASKS is mainly to prevent COVID-19. The mask made for all medical personnel who are not getting direct contact with COVID-19 unconfirmed cases, medical staff who are in the infected area, and civilians who are living in the crowded area to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The WIN-MASKS is also made to reduce the usage of a disposable sanitary mask. The structure of the mask has three layers. First, the water-resistant coated with nanotechnology and dust mite protection cloth, microfibre mixed with Zinc Oxide which can protect the user from bacteria and viruses. Third, the cotton cloth which can protect the user from the droplet from cough and sneezing. The distribution in the first phase will be within 3 weeks from this day and a number that the authority can produce will be around 7,000 pieces and the next quantity will increase depends on the fundraising by using the crowdfunding method. University Hospital and Provincial Government Hospital will be the first priority for the first phase distribution. #irsiriraj #siirnews #nanomasks #covid19
