While face masks were once rare sightings, they’re now compulsory in several settings across the UK. Now, a new antiviral face mask has been developed that can kill viruses including Covid-19 and influenza upon contact.
The mask, which was developed by a Nottingham Trent University scientist, could be available as early as December 2020. While most face masks feature a three-layer design, this mask features five layers, including an antiviral layer made of nano-copper.
The copper has ions that are emitted once in contact with a virus, causing the virus to die and stop reproducing. Dr Gareth Cave, who designed the mask, said: “The mask we’ve developed has been proven to inactivate viruses upon contact; the antiviral layer kills virus