Face shields and homemade masks for everyone. Health professionals and caregivers need face shields and ordinary people need protective masks. Manufacturing can be homemade as long as it is effective. Let's all save lives.
We intend to continue to provide, for free, face shields to healthcare professionals and caregivers. That is one of the priorities. However, many other workers are also in need of protection. Many local shops like supermarkets, bakeries, etc….
On the other hand, we found that ordinary people could be better protected. We are aware that in countries people are doing something different. In the East, where it is already common and commonplace, as they already have more experience in these matters, due to the various epidemics they have had in recent years, face masks proved to be a relevant weapon in this fight. The West insists on contradicting what is evident! In the Czech Republic, they were quicker to react than we are. They also closed restaurants and bars, museums, concerts and other public events. But they didn't stop working. Except that the use of a mask is mandatory there.
The homemade mask does not fully protect you. But it lessens the risk that you will infect others. And so if you wear a mask, you protect others. And if everyone wears a mask, you'll be more protected. In addition, with a mask, it is more difficult to inadvertently touch the face and nose with your hand. We truly believe that the systematic use of the mask greatly interferes with the spread of the virus. After testing (a lot) and isolating patients, it is necessary to gradually start working .... we cannot be at home forever ... and this will have to be done safely. If everyone wears a mask, the risk is greatly reduced ...
In addition, many local business professionals (supermarkets, bakeries, etc ...) would be much more protected with the use of effective face shields and face masks. We will demonstrate, with a few simple tests, the validity of our solutions.
These solutions that we propose to you are not PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). But we know that they are what we can call an EPG (Group Protection Equipment) . They are not an alternative to what we already do in terms of hand hygiene and social distance. THEY ARE A SUPPLEMENT to reduce contagion.
But this campaign also has a solidarity aspect. All those who buy us a set (see rewards) are helping, because for each set sold they help to offer 1 unit to someone in need . We will strive to ensure that everyone has access to the appropriate means of protection. Even those who cannot afford to acquire them.
About the author
I'm António and I founded the Weproductise company in 2013, in the oldest village in Portugal, Ponte de Lima. It is a company that operates in the creative industry area, specifically with product design, graphics and communication.
Its workshop services are mainly in ecological materials, such as wood products and laser cutting and engraving and digital printing services. The company's philosophy is to create Ecological, Inclusive and Positive Design, aiming, in some way, to contribute to the well-being of people and the planet.
Over the years we have created and developed our own brands / businesses. LaranjaLimao GuestHouse , Bomerango , Bodymover , Woodprint and Barefoot ecopark . Which we keep to this day.
To know:
https://weproductise.com/: laser cutting and digital printing services
https://woodprint.pt/: wooden articles with digital printing and / or laser cutting
https://bomerango.co/: decorative lighting made out of wooden materials
https://pedescalcoecoparque.pt/: Barefoot ecopark, to make you smile (tourist entertainment)
https://laranjalimaoguesthouse.pt/: LaranjaLimao GuestHouse, family-friendly and pet-friendly accommodation. Rest and have fun in nature
Note: We have also been caught by the economic crisis and orders (Weproductise and Woodprint, Bomerango and BodyMover brands) and reservations (LaranjaLimao and Pé Descalço ecoparque - accommodation and tourist entertainment) were all canceled in the period from 15 / Mar to 30 / June .
Budget and due dates
We intend to continue to provide face shields to healthcare professionals and caregivers. That is one of the priorities. However, many other workers are also in need of protection.
And we also want ordinary people to have access to protection. And this protection, in the absence of better (surgical masks) can be homemade fabric masks. Here and on our website or social networks, we will demonstrate, with a few simple tests, the validity of our solutions.
On the other hand, the objective of this campaign is to raise funds for those most in need. We will provide free of charge, within the resources we collect, all the adequate means of protection for all those who need them. And for that, we need your help. Whether through donations or the purchase of the listed rewards in this campaign.
Necessary materials
Face shields: 0.6 or 1mm polycarbonate sheets + elastic bands
Sewing kits and homemade fabric masks: fabrics, filters (non-woven / other), needles, threads, elastics
So far, we have delivered a total of 340 units free of charge to the following institutions:
Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Ponte de Lima (Nursing home): 36
Lethes Health Center: 2
Lar Casa Magalhaes (Nursing Home, Freixo): 50
Darque Parish Center for Social and Cultural Promotion (Nursing home): 100
Ponte de Lima Firefighters: 5
Ash GNR: 5
Parish and Social Center of Fornelos (Nursing home): 4
Casa de Caridade - Lar Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Nursing home): 90
Viana Hospital: 18
Ponte de Lima Hospital: 30
CHRONOLOGY
22 March 2020: observing the scarcity of protective material and the consequent agony of the employees of nursing homes and hospitals in our region, we join several communities of developers. From there came a model of a face shield that we started to produce. It is a light face shield, it is not certified, but it is a functional solution, as a resource, for all those who cannot access adequate material, including our Healthcare professionals.
29 March 2020: Aware of the reality of other countries, we began to consider the use of non-surgical masks by ordinary people. Homemade MASKS, YES or NO? " It has been demonstrated that the use of masks reduces the potential for contamination . The President of the Council of Portuguese Medical Schools (CEMP), recalls that in the Czech Republic, where their use is mandatory, has resulted in a significant decrease in cases and deaths caused by new coronavirus "(see Expresso, Público, TSF, Observer, DN, Sic Notícias, etc ...). On the other hand, the TROPICAL HYGIENE AND MEDICINE INSTITUTE warns of the risks of using handmade masks, but states: " However, in the context of severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), and only if surgical masks (P1 ) are not available, homemade cloth masks (eg handkerchiefs) are proposed as a last resort interim solution by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but always in very exceptional situations ". https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/covid-19-mascaras-artesanais-ea-reutilizacao/
We verify that this is OUR CURRENT SITUATION!
We will find all those who have a sewing machine, the distant cousin or the neighbor with whom we haven't spoken in a while. The friend who knows someone who knows. We have to be quick! We have to use what is within our reach. Quickly!
We will sew by hand until our fingers hurt.
We will find the materials, the lines, the fabrics, the elastics, wherever they are. And let's make masks. All. Many. Thousands. Millions.
As if several lives depended on it! Because in reality, we can make a difference and save lives.
Starting today. Now!
When you think you are already making a lot of sacrifices ...
Think of the doctor or nurse who has not seen his children for weeks, who cannot hug, smell, kiss. And you don't know when you can do it. Think of the grandparents who haven't seen it in so long. That they are alone, isolated, afraid. Think of your friend who has already lost his job.
Together we will win!
I use it to protect you!
You use it to protect me!
