The Free State is now looking at innovative ways to produce these essentials, with the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein amongst those leading the efforts. CUT’s centre for rapid prototyping and manufacturing, as  well as the product development technology station (PDTS), will be helping the government to produce positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) masks for non-invasive ventilation in Covid-19 patients via 3D-printing. The Universitas Academic Hospital’s head of surgery and chairperson of the coronavirus task team in the area, Nicholas Pearce, estimates the institution will be able to produce roughly 300 of these masks per day. Pearce further announced government’s plans to produce mask that provides greater protection for medical practitioners.

Pearce says Health Minister Zweli Mkhize and Free State Health Department head, David Motau, have green lit a new local design for face mask visors which is somewhat of a face shield. The plan is to produce and roll out 33 000 of these visors to all hospitals for members of staff who are exposed to patients who have contracted the virus. “The MEC, Minister and our HOD have said the one thing we’re not negotiating on is the safety of staff, namely: doctors, nurses, porters and security. With that we’ll be able to offer safer services,” reveals Pearce.

On Thursday, Mkhize was back in the province to oversee the massive screening of residents and to assess the readiness of the Universitas Hospital in treating Covid-19 patients. He says he is satisfied with the level of preparation as well as the enthusiasm that has been displayed by the clinicians at the hospital. Shortly after this, Mkhize announced the number of Coronavirus cases have increased to 1462.

OFM News reported previously that the Free State Health Department is in the process of training 491 people to beef up existing tracer teams in the province. These trainees are made up of 466 community health workers and 25 Red Cross volunteers.

OFM News