"We are deeply appreciative and thankful to all the doctors, nurses and clinical staff who are putting themselves in the front line to provide South Africa with exceptional health care during the coronavirus pandemic," says Mpact CEO, Bruce Strong.

"Mpact's donation of 25 000 face shields to keep medical workers safe, while caring for those affected by the virus, will be distributed to areas of need by the department of health. It is through public-private partnerships such as this one that corporate companies can add to government's efforts to keep our nation safe and healthy," adds Strong.  

Mpact says that it produced the personal protective equipment using Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polypropylene, which are both fully recyclable materials. The face shields can be used in applications where full facial coverage is required and the facial area needs to be protected from mucous, splashes, sprays and spatter.

According to thw group, the 280mm length 'one size fits all' shield is also suitable for applications where the face needs to be protected from moving particles, such as light debris.

The group says that the mask is suitable to use with safety goggles, spectacles and over facemasks and respiratory mouthpieces.  Its lightweight and durable design also makes it comfortable to adjust and wear.   

"Mpact's swift response of designing and developing these face shields was in response to the shortage of equipment, including surgical masks, visors, gloves and disposable aprons. The donation of 25 000 face shields is our contribution to help government to fight this pandemic and reduce the spread of the disease," adds Strong.

Mpact has indicated that it has also developed face shields for children to assist in keeping pupils safe while at school, and is finalising the development of hardhat shields and respiratory masks for other industries.

"The Gauteng department of health wishes to extend its gratitude to the Mpact Group, who have heeded the call to come on board and help in the fight against COVID-19. The department is grateful for 25 000 face shields, which will keep frontline health care workers safe as they continue to curb the spread of the pandemic," says Dr Bandile Masuku, Gauteng MEC for health.  

"COVID-19 is everybody's fight, which is why Mpact is proud to play our part by protecting those dealing with daily maximum exposure and shielding the most vulnerable members of society through leveraging our expertise to create appropriate and much needed PPE," says Strong. 

"Mpact will continue to assist in fighting the spread of the pandemic both within the organisation and around our communities. We believe that our donation will bolster the actions of the frontline medical workers by keeping them safe and allowing them to continue fighting to keep South Africa healthy," concludes Strong.

For more information, visit www.mpact.co.za