Manchester biotech firm donates 5,000 protective snoods to help local care workers fight COVID-19

A Manchester-based biotech firm is donating more than 5,000 pieces of its personal protective product to frontline care workers.

Last month, Virustatic launched the Virustatic Shield, an innovative antiviral snood which traps 96% of airborne viruses.

The shield, which is the result of 10 years research, development and testing, is unlike ordinary masks due to a revolutionary protein coating which attracts, trap and kill viruses in airborne droplets 15 times smaller than a human hair.

Since launching the shield, Virustatic has been working around the clock to bring it to full production to ensure those working in the care industry have the protection they need.

“We’re truly grateful to all our frontline workers who are working tirelessly, in difficult circumstances, amidst the coronavirus pandemic,” said operations director, Kieron Browne.

“The virus is not going to go away, so we all need to interrupt transmission. We have already seen a great response to our launch with thousands of consumers as well as a number of local and national businesses already protecting their workforce with our product. However, we are now wanting to join many other companies across the UK in donating our own PPE product to those who desperately need it.

“We are now encouraging care worker organisations, companies and privately-owned homes and facilities across Manchester to get in touch with our team as we know the safety of any worker is paramount to the organisation in which it works. We want to do something significant to help those still working, and those vulnerable, in what is a really difficult and challenging time for us all.”

Any frontline care organisation, company or privately-owned home or facility wishing to get in touch please click here.

The Virustatic is available to buy direct from the website (RRP £20). It is only effective in controlling the spread of germs when used alongside a strict personal hygiene routine, as explained by health officials.