Reports of shortage of face masks have left thousands of people, if not millions, wondering about their safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic.
In a swift reaction to this, Sarah Abood, CEO of Ottawa-based sport hijab-maker Thawrih, decided to step in to offer help.
Abood has shifted its production into making masks aimed
at reducing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thawrih’s SportsMask is made of washable and breathable fabrics – the same material the startup uses to make hijabs and turbans better-suited for sports and physical activities, Ottawa Business Journal reported.
The idea came after Abood herself couldn’t find a personal-use face mask as she returned back to Ottawa from SoGal global pitch competition in Silicon Valley .
Following conversations with friends, she realized there could be a larger demand for the face masks.
“Sales were slowing down because
of COVID-19. There wasn’t that much work for them at the moment,” Abood said.
However, she confirmed that Thawrih isn’t looking
to make a profit off the pandemic. She added that the masks are currently
priced to cover their costs and keep the startup’s employees with steady work.
Though Thawrih’s product isn’t a direct substitute for the standard-issue masks relied on in most hospitals, a study from researchers at the University of Cambridge suggests that a homemade mask can offer better protection from viruses than no mask at all.
The COVID-19 pandemic has infected 737,532 and killed other 34,997 according to the latest estimates by WorldOMeter.
According to National Post, there are 6,320 COVID-19 cases in Canada as of 4:00 am on March 30, 2020.
Earlier this month, a Canadian Muslim charity launched an appeal to provide hygiene kits to vulnerable people in the community.
Read Original Report Here By About Islam