Manchester biochemists create protective face mask alternative that traps 96% of airborne viruses

A brand-new protective product has been created by Manchester biochemists to help shield people and protect their families in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Responding to the problem that face masks won’t stop the coronavirus, leading Manchester scientists have created what they are calling a Virustatic Shield.

The face mask alternative looks like a snood and is said to trap 96% of airborne viruses. Tests show it is effective against a range of pathogens including coronavirus, flu, SARS, MERS and the common cold.

This breakthrough in ‘germ trap’ technology represents the result of 10 years of research by Manchester biochemists and is offering new hope in stopping the spread of viruses.

The Virustatic Shield’s super-fine material is also 100% breathable, meaning it is safe to be worn by those suffering from extreme respiratory problems.

Reusable, washable and harmless to touch after being exposed to germs, an innovative antiviral fabric coating gives virus stopping power to the thinnest material.

The coating’s cationic properties attract, trap and kill viruses in airborne droplets 15 times smaller than a human hair and act a as a barrier to viruses carried in aerosols invisible to the human eye.

It is particularly useful for those who believe they may have the coronavirus.

Research and development of the Virustatic Shield was a collaboration between world-leading scientists in Manchester and across the UK.

The World Health Organisation advises that healthy people only need to wear protective masks when taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection, or if coughing and sneezing.

Inventor Paul Hope, from Marple, says the research found that material treated with the harmless Virustatic coating offers “96% protection against airborne viruses”.

He adds: “I’m concerned that the biggest provider of viruses, the people you are treating, can’t wear existing masks. Issues with breathability mean you can’t put a mask on them. If they could, that would reduce the virus within the hospital environment.”

His Virustatic Shield has been designed to mould to the wearers face. Paul explains: “Our snood mask moulds to your face. And it’s all the way round, not just around your nose and mouth. It fits everyone.

“One problem with conventional masks is how do you fit test them? If men wear them with a bit of a beard, or children wear them, they don’t fit. There are so many different configurations.”

Offering medical-grade protection to the public, Virustatic Shield is available to purchase online from £20.

To protect consumers against ineffective copies, each Virustatic Shield will be fitted with an anti-fake security label. Special heat-activated ink, invisible UV features and an encrypted QR code, linked to a unique serial number verifies the authenticity of each Virustatic Shield.