Community joins forces to create PPE for front line staff

All masks approved by Clinicians

Engineers, teachers, and 3D printer enthusiasts have united to help fight the coronavirus pandemic by making PPE for the Island's front-line workers.

The community initiative, known as Crowdshield.im, also includes local businesses and is being co-coordinated by the Isle of Man Government.  

Work to convert snorkel masks into breathing equipment for patients is already underway by the engineering community, and seven companies are looking into the manufacturing of protective face visors at government's request.

Hundreds of masks have been made on-Island and are already being used by NHS staff.

All the masks are approved for use by Clinicians, and government is working with producers to ensure they meet international standards set by the World Health Organisation.