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COVID-19: Public initiatives grow to produce face shields to help medical workers
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Filipino student Marcus Chu wears a face shield he made with his 3D printer and assembled at his home in Manila on April 1. (Handout via REUTERS/Gifford Chu)
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mid a scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the fight against COVID-19, several community groups across the country have taken the initiative to produce face shields for extra protection against the contagious disease.
One such community, the Spedagi social entrepreneurship group in Kendangan village, Temanggung regency, Central Java, has shared tips on making affordable protective gear for medical workers and members of the public.
Through its Instagram account @spedagimovement, the group explains that the basic materials needed to make the shield are ethylene-vinyl acetate and thick mica plastic. A series of photos guides people through the DIY process to make a face shield.
“Please imitate and adapt in accordance to the conditions of [your] location. The design is made for social purposes. [We] don’t allow mass production for profit-oriented business,” the group said in the caption on Wednesday.
The post has reportedly prompted a social community in Bali, Popo Danes Architect, to produce the face shield and distribute it for free to medical workers at local community health centers (Puskesmas).
"We are deeply touched by knowing that some communities in various regions have copied our design to develop simple face shields," Spedagi said, adding that the production cost for one shield was around Rp 3,000 (18 US cents).
Jakarta-based art communities Gudskul Contemporary Art and Ecosystem Studies have separately called on people to donate some of their money for face shield production.
"By donating some 65,000, you help us produce one face mask for medical workers on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19," Gudskul said.
In Bandung, West Java, a small business that normally produces light sabers has diverted its resources to producing up to 100 face shields a day. The owner, Aldo Ikhwanul Khalid, said on Instagram account @lifeshield-facemask that the initiative had started on March 25 after news reports on the scarcity of protective gear for medical personnel. He said he and his team aimed to produce as many shields as possible.
"If you are a medical worker, doctor or nurse in the battle against COVID-19 and want this kind of shield, you can contact us and we will try to meet your need," Aldo said.
He also created an opportunity for those interested in donating money through the info on the Instagram site.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology said face shields could extend the 'life' of critically available face masks by providing another layer of protection that cover wearers' faces. They protect healthcare professionals from virus particles spread through coughing or sneezing.
