Ford has rolled out several impressive new models in recent months. An updated F-150 pickup. The all-electric Mustang Mach-E. A clear, N95-rated face mask. The rebirth of the iconic Bronco SUV.
Wait…back up. A mask?
With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down or slowing much of American commerce, some automakers have reworked their manufacturing lines to produce ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to fight the disease. Ford this week unveiled its latest virus-fighting initiative. It’s a clear face mask that, the company hopes, will achieve N95 certification, making it suitable for use by front-line workers in hospitals.
A clear face mask gives people who rely on lip-reading a better chance to understand what the wearer is saying. Ford Vice President Jim Baumbick explains, “When you think about interactions in a work environment, and the people who might be … relying on lips to read expressions and understand day-to-day work, that becomes a challenge. It literally takes away another sense from somebody.”
The masks, Baumbick says, will be washable, and use anti-fog technology. They should be available in spring but are awaiting N95 certification. Pricing and distribution details are not yet available.
The company also revealed an open-source design for an air filtration kit that could be used to lower the virus count in high-concentration indoor spaces. The kit includes a cardboard base, a 20-inch box fan, and an air filter. Ford has made instructions on building the kit available to the public.
The filtration kits are designed to work for large indoor spaces, but the small indoor space of your car’s cabin can be an infection risk, too. Learn how to clean it properly to reduce COVID-19 risk.
