Battle against Covid19 - Tools of the trade

PHOTO ESSAY | Men and women, at the risk of their own wellbeing, have put themselves on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19.

The coronavirus claimed 76 lives in Malaysia as of yesterday and almost 120,000 globally.

To track down and treat Covid-19 patients, while protecting themselves, frontliners rely on a number of essential tools in their kit.

Protective masks, face shields, gloves and Tyvek suits are necessary for those involved in treating patients and cleaning red zones.

Without the protective gears, frontliners would be at the risk of becoming infected by the very virus they are battling to defeat.

These are their tools of the trade.

1- Face Shield

The face shield is a piece of personal protective equipment. Typically, it protects the wearer's entire face from hazards such as flying objects, road debris, and chemical splashes. In the battle against Covid-19, it helps prevent the virus from entering the body through their nose, mouth or eyes.

2- Half mask respirators

Half mask respirators provide adequate protection during industrial tasks. Half mask respirators are generally used in environments where the contaminants are not toxic to the face or the eyes.

3- Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers contain a small computing mechanism and a resistor. A change in temperature causes the sensor to notice a change in resistance.

4- Nasopharyngeal Swab

A nasopharyngeal swab is a method for collecting a clinical test sample of nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat. The sample is then analysed for the presence of organisms or other clinical markers for disease.

5- Tyvek Suit

Engineered to suit a variety of occupational needs, from construction work to waste clean-up, this is a sterling line of versatile protective clothing that shields like armour but moves comfortably.

6- Goggles / Safety Glasses

Goggles, or safety glasses, are forms of protective eyewear that usually enclose or protect the area surrounding the eye in order to prevent particulates, water or chemicals from striking the eyes.

7- P95 respirator mask

A P95 respirator mask is personal protective equipment that prevents the wearer from inhaling aerosols (dust, smoke, mist) as well as vapours or gases (disinfectants, anaesthetic gases) that are health hazards

8- Protection Glove

These gloves play an essential role in protecting their users from the chemicals used in radiation treatment, chemotherapy and more.

9- Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a liquid or gel generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. They are available as liquids, gels, and foams.