Collaborating with ACCA Charitable Foundation Limited (ACCA), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) donated 5,000 face shields to 16 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), providing extra protection to frontline social workers and healthcare workers under the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed by PolyU, the face shields provide full-face coverage and help protect the wearers from the spread of droplet-transmitted diseases. An appreciation ceremony was held on 27 August to recognise ACCA for their contribution to this meaningful project.
Over the past few months, COVID-19 has been affecting everyone’s lives globally. Since then, PolyU has been proactively helping the community to overcome difficulties by applying our professional expertise. One of the many initiatives includes the development of two new reusable face shields, namely “General Use Face Shield” and “Extra Protection Face Shield”, which provide enhanced protection for the public in their daily lives and working environment thus minimising the risks of virus transmission in the community.
Frontline social workers and healthcare workers are frequently in close contact with high risk clients and environment, such as nursing procedures, bathing, feeding, cleaning public areas or toilet, etc. Besides, mentally challenged children may touch their face with their hands unintentionally. The reusable face shields help to lessen the need of protective gear amongst frontline medical professional. One of the beneficiaries, the Association of Parents of the Severely Mentally Handicapped, appreciated the generosity of ACCA and PolyU. Ms Renee Lai Pui Mei, Chairman of the association said, “It has been a huge challenge for our children to wear surgical masks. The shields prove to be an effective means for protecting our children from the pandemic.”
PolyU cares about the community, and ACCA shares the same vision and care for the needy frontline workers. Mr Kenneth Wong, Chairman of ACCA Hong Kong, found this initiative meaningful. He said, “We are glad to be part of this meaningful project, supporting the frontline welfare workers who need extra protection at work. ACCA’s commitment is not limited to the accountancy profession, but to the wider community. During this tough period of time, let’s work together to fight the virus.” The 5,000 face shields allow the NGOs’ frontline workers to have extra protection while working. This would not have been possible without ACCA’s support. PolyU is very glad to join hands with our supporter, ACCA, to combat this unprecedented pandemic.
