In order to curb the global shortage of surgical masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), engineers from the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have come up with locally produced face shields.
The face shield, known as FaceProtect+, is meant to offer additional protection for personnel working in the frontlines, and is adjustable and reusable.
Visor is superior to commercial variants
According to DSTA, the agency is working with industry partner Racer Technology Pte Ltd to locally manufacture the FaceProtect+, and are in the process of supplying the face shields to various public agencies, such as the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Armed Forces, the Ministry of Manpower and the Land Transport Authority.
It boasts an adjustable frame which caters to different face sizes, including bespectacled wearers, and has a wider, longer and thicker visor compared to commercial face shields.
This increases coverage of the face, and makes it more resilient for use outdoors.
The face shield is reusable and easy to maintain by washing with soap and water after use.
DSTA also said that it is designed such that the visors can be easily replaced, in the case of wear and tear.
DSTA is working on an improved model
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen also mentioned these face shields in a Facebook post on April 14.
According to Ng, the face shields were developed by DSTA within a short period of time to address the potential shortage of masks, where "priority should rightly go to healthcare workers".
Ng praised the fact that the face shields can be re-used, and that Singapore is not dependent on other countries to obtain them, since they are produced locally.
He also said that based on feedback, DSTA is working on an improved model.
Here's what Ng said in his Facebook post:
Top image from Ng Eng Hen's Facebook page.