As India fights the coronavirus pandemic, a Volvo Trucks dealer has developed a simple and cost-effective face shield with his team, for the protection of the frontline warriors of COVID-19. This is believed to help doctors, nurses, supporting medical staff, paramilitary forces, sanitary workers and health workers to protect themselves.

The team of four - Sibi Mathai, MD of Vista Driveline (Volvo Truck, Bus Dealer); Hans Habeeb, COO, Suracsh Filters; Pratheek, Design & Styling Head at Navgathi Marine; and Sandith Thandasherry came together to build good quality face shield in their R&D centre. The current 3D machine could create two masks in 20 minute.

Taking inspiration from the designs available online, the team came up with a modified version on the request of Dr Jose Joseph, Principal at Kottayam Medical College. Using 3D printers, they developed this essential device and the first batch has been sent to the Govt Medical College for testing.

VS Sunil Kumar, Minister for Agriculture in Kerala also tried the face shield and applauded the team for their efforts in providing protection to healthcare professionals and police personnel from this deadly virus.

This is an innovative solution that can be used across India to curtail the spread of novel coronavirus.