A virus-killing snood and a hands-free door pull, designed at Menai Science Park (M-SParc) in Gaerwen on Anglesey, could help tackle the spread of the Coronavirus.

The science park, supported by Bangor University, has been trying to help scientists around the world trying to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The ‘Virus-Killing’ Snood

The Virustatic Shield traps and kills airborne viruses and is the result of 10 years of research by UK biochemists.

The shield cuts risk of cross contamination from saliva droplets and protects against airborne virus transmission, according to the designers the mask offers 96% protection against pathogens including Covid-19.

Virustatic Shield is lightweight, reusable and washable. It moulds to your face. So, you can wear it comfortably for hours at a time. Its hygienic fabric and unique coating is safe to handle and even dispose of after three washes.

The company hopes to make as many as a million-a-week and plans to reserve part of that stock for the NHS.

Anna Roberts of Virustatic Shield said: “We have been working on the anti-viral coating since 2011 but it’s only in the last five weeks that we have developed the snood in response to the current pandemic.

“This mask is different to other masks because it has an anti viral protein that kills any virus that comes into contact with the material.

“It’s also a very light material, you can breathe through it, so it’s nicer to wear.

“There are 25,000 available now and we hope to have around a million in a few weeks.

“We’re talking to the government in London and we’re going to talk to the Welsh Government because, of course, we want to help them and help the health service.”

The hands-free Door Handle

Wyn Griffiths came up with the idea after his wife visited a local hospital and had to touch door handles after sanitising her hands.

That evening he had designed a prototype ‘arm’ which attaches to an existing door handle, with a crook to open the door.

He has now distributed the 3D design online to download it for free.

Mr Griffiths said: “Hopefully people who have a 3D printer can help out their local hospital or anywhere the public visits by distributing these around the country.”

 

M-Sparc

Pryderi ap Rhisiart, managing director of M-Sparc, said it was “vital” the park plays its part in coming up with innovative ideas.

“In the middle of all the doom and gloom it’s good to see small companies developing new innovative solutions,” he said.

“It’s just a glimpse. We’re not saying it’s the answer but it’s something”

Mass production of the snood-type mask is under way while a 3D design of the handle has been widely circulated.