Reusable masks can kill virus

NEW reusable face masks that lab tests show kill the virus that causes Covid on contact could be on the market by the end of the year.

Uk-based and Australianfinanced company Viracoat has developed a breakthrough N95 mask coated with antiviral materials, while a second international team has found a nylon fabric with zinc ions inactivates 99 per of the virus particles, along with the common flu.

The zinc-coated material, devised by scientists and engineers from the University of Cambridge and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, could be used not just on masks but also other personal protective equipment such as gowns. It can also be re-used, with tests showing the virusinactivating zinc ions still work after 50 washes.

Both masks could help combat the masses of medical waste generated by the pandemic.

The masks have been tested in facilities at Lancaster University and shown to be effective against the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants.