How innovation is helping ease a dangerous ventilator shortage

Mar 30, 2020

A man with protective mask walks on the street, following the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Hong Kong, China March 27, 2020. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu - RC29SF9EMQ4W

Masks, and other much needed medical equipment, are in short supply all across the world. Image: REUTERS/Tyrone Siu - RC29SF9EMQ4W

Kate Whiting

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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What is the World Economic Forum doing about the coronavirus outbreak?

Coronavirus china virus health healthcare who world health organization disease deaths pandemic epidemic worries concerns Health virus contagious contagion viruses diseases disease lab laboratory doctor health dr nurse medical medicine drugs vaccines vaccinations inoculations technology testing test medicinal biotechnology biotech biology chemistry physics microscope research influenza flu cold common cold bug risk symptomes respiratory china iran italy europe asia america south america north washing hands wash hands coughs sneezes spread spreading precaution precautions health warning covid 19 cov SARS 2019ncov wuhan sarscow wuhanpneumonia pneumonia outbreak patients unhealthy fatality mortality elderly old elder age serious death deathly deadly

Decathlon’s Easybreath Snorkelling mask is proving to be a lifesaver. Image: Decathlon

A patient suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) wears a full-face Easybreath snorkelling mask given by sport chain Decathlon and turned into a ventilator for coronavirus treatment at the intensive care unit at Ambroise Pare clinic in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris, as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues in France, April 1, 2020. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC2PVF9G7LP2

The modified Decathlon Easybreath snorkelling mask is being used to treat hundreds of coronavirus patients. Image: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Copper 3D’s NanoHack printable mask. Image: 3dprintingmedia

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