New mask ‘effective against flu, corona virus’

Viroblock, a Swiss start-up, has developed a novel face-mask containing technology that effectively traps and kills H1N1 flu and human corona viruses that pass through air, a statement said. Aimed at helping protect people from the respiratory pathogens, the mask is up to one hundred times more effective than a similar mask without Viroblock technology. The mask traps and kills over 99.9995 per cent of H1N1 flu viruses (swine flu), 99.999 per cent of H5N1 flu viruses (avian flu) and 99.997 per cent human corona viruses on pass-through air, according to the statement. With latest reports of as many as 55 people infected with SARS-like coronavirus in Saudi, killing 33 in total, and large numbers of Muslims expected to travel to Makkah during Ramadan and in October for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the technology can be used to assist in reducing the risk and incidence of airborne-transmitted infection. “Aerobiology tests for face-masks simulate real...