CSIR-CMERI initiatives for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading at unprecedented pace throughout the globe. These never before seen conditions demand scientific intervention from scientists and strict precautionary measures from every part of the society. CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, as an Institute has directed its resources optimally to contribute towards fight against COVID-19 through S&T intervention. [https://www.cmeri.res.in/covid19]

Face Masks has been made mandatory throughout the country, to resist the COVID-19 virus infection.  CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur expects that its scientifically-designed cost-effective Facemasks [https://www.cmeri.res.in/face-mask]should reach the masses at large and especially those belonging to the underprivileged strata of the society. CSIR-CMERI is also planning to soon mechanize the manufacturing process of Facemasks so that eventually the price of Face Masks may be reduced to Rs 5/- per Mask. The facemasks developed by CSIR-CMERI have the following features:

• Comparable with commercial masks
• Pore Size< 60 microns
• Inhalation Resistance at 85 L/min < 26 mm H2O
• UV Sterilized
• Reusable

CSIR-CMERI intends to hand over the know-how of facemask manufacturing to the rural communities in its vicinity. The community members will involve themselves in the small-scale production of these masks with hand-holding of the CSIR-CMERI. This rural penetration will have a two-pronged effect on the rural community i.e. firstly, it will help in generating awareness amongst the members of the rural community and also distribution of the locally produced masks amongst the members of the Village. Secondly, the rural populace will get an avenue of income. [https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1614374]

Besides this, the CSIR-CMERI also developed Tractor-driven Road Sanitizer Unit as one of the most potent arsenals to counter the COVID-19 crisis through outdoor sanitization. This Road Sanitization unit can be effectively deployed in long stretches of highways, vicinity of toll plazas etc, where there is a massive volume of traffic and good chance of infection spreading. It can also be deployed in Housing Complexes, Office Complexes, Sports Arenas, Apartment buildings etc. This product will ensure maximum sanitisation coverage within minimum possible time, which is the need of the hour. [https://www.cmeri.res.in/road-sanitizer-unit]

To handle the risk of community transmission, the CSIR-CMERI also developed Disinfection Walkways, which can be deployed at multiple critical locations such as Isolation/Quarantine facilities, Mass Transit System Entry points, Medical Centres, Shopping Malls and any other location with a considerable amount of footfall. The said Disinfection Walkways are available in two variants i.e., Pneumatic and Hydraulic [https://www.cmeri.res.in/disinfection-walkway]

Considering the precautionary measures like sanitization of hands and any other contact points, the CSIR-CMERI started developing homemade soaps for the society. This is to ensure that the sanitization cycle of the public doesn't get disrupted owing to unavailability of soaps in the market.

CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur is working round-the-clock to ensure that the efforts of its S&T practitioners can positively influence the society and the nation at this time of unforeseen global crisis. It is therefore an ardent request to all to come together and join hands to defeat the Coronavirus. [https://www.cmeri.res.in/sites/default/files/EoI_2.pdf]