As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the demand for protective gear is also increasing. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has come up with several products for this purpose, and one such product has received financial support from Clifford Chance Business Services.

‘COVLOCK’ addresses the critical need to manufacture facial protection equipment which can effectively inhibit person-to-person transmission of the contagious virus with respiratory droplets, produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, via the mouth, nose, or eyes. It is an innovative ergonomic face shield, which can be comfortably worn for prolonged hours just like a pair of glasses. Rapid prototyping will be employed to mass produce COVLOCK at IIT Delhi for frontline workers and organisations at an ultra-low cost.

The principal investigator of the project, Prof. Arnab Chanda, Centre for Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi said, “COVLOCK is the first ergonomic 3D-Printed face shield for prolonged wear and comfort. This project is a collaboration between IIT Delhi and Clifford Chance Business Services and offers the potential of making a meaningful difference in this situation by equipping the front runners in the healthcare industry with the appropriate protection gear. We are thankful to Clifford Chance Business Services, Corporate CSR Partner, for its support. This collaboration highlights IIT Delhi's strength in healthcare and we wish every success for the team.”

Mr Venu Yadavalli, General Manager, Clifford Chance Business Services, Delhi said, “For Clifford Chance Business Services, community sits at the heart of our operations. We partner to support our community by widening access to justice, finance and education. Our global community outreach and pro bono strategy focuses on providing the best possible support to our NGO and charity clients, whilst at the same time expanding the capabilities of our people and strengthening relationships, partnerships and collaboration. We are very excited to partner with IIT Delhi in making available low-cost ergonomic face shields to front-line staff and organisations in the healthcare industry. We appreciate the efforts of IIT Delhi in leading this initiative and we are confident that this collaboration will make a meaningful difference in the fight against COVID-19.”

Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said, “We are glad to have received support from Clifford Chance Business Services for IIT Delhi’s COVLOCK project. In an effort to contain the raging pandemic, personal protective equipment is a highly valuable aid. These shields are sure to be utilised by COVID-19 frontline workers. IIT Delhi has been at the forefront of innovation, and we are glad to have corporate support in our endeavours. We are hopeful that more companies will follow suit.”

Prof. Anurag S Rathore, Dean, Corporate Relations, IIT Delhi said, “We welcome the support for COVID-19 research at IIT Delhi and are hopeful of embarking on a long-term relationship with Clifford Chance Business Services. These tough times call for industry and academia to work together for the betterment of the prevalent conditions, and this association will prove to be a successful step in that direction. As IIT Delhi continues to devise methods to battle the pandemic, we urge more companies to come forward and join us in our endeavours.”