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Distributing PU30 reusable face masks to protect community

26 Jun 2020

Partnership & Community

Hundreds of local schools in Hong Kong reopened on 27 May 2020 after months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help students protect themselves against the spread of this coronavirus, Prof Kan Chi-wai, Professor of ITC, and Dr Joanne Yip, Associate Professor of ITC, visited Sheng Kung Hui Holy Spirit Primary School on 19 June 2020 to donate nearly a thousand PU30TM face masks. Developed by a research team led by Prof. Kan and Dr Yip, PU30TM is an antiviral, washable and reusable mask. The mask has been in-vitro shown to inhibit tested strains of influenza virus (H1N1) and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) upon contact with the surface of the face mask. However, correlation between the in-vitro testing results and any clinical event has yet to be established.

Related news: Quick response research to COVID-19 – Development of face mask


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Structure of PU30TM
This distribution activity of the PU30TM reusable face masks to students and staff showed the spirit of love and caring, and provided the community with a positive experience. A live broadcast was also hosted by Prof. Kan and Dr Yip to explain the importance of wearing a mask, and instruct the students on how to use and wash the PU30TM.
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Prof. Kan and Dr Yip go live to explain importance of wearing mask, and instruct students on how to use and wash PU30TM.
Prof. Kan and Dr Yip shared the following about their experience: "It was our pleasure to participate in this meaningful activity with our colleagues. We are so grateful for the contributions of our research teams, ITC students and local manufacturers. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council for their thoughtful arrangements!"
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ITC student volunteers work tirelessly to produce PU30TM in ITC garment workshop.
The activity was fully supported by the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council.

Ms Cheng Sze-sze, School Principal of Sheng Kung Hui Holy Spirit Primary School also expressed her appreciation and said, "Thank you for your generous donation. I am impressed by your team who served with all of their heart."

The first batch of 20,000 PU30TM was successfully delivered to the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council in June 2020 to help the underprivileged who are in urgent need of personal protective equipment.

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