Chief Executive Carrie Lam inspected one of the CuMask production sites in Tsuen Wan today and expressed gratitude to those manufacturing the reusable masks for Hong Kong residents to fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

She chatted with the staff and noted that many of them are retired textile industry workers who have re-joined the production workforce to combat the virus.

Mrs Lam praised them for their commitment to serving the community and thanked them for their hard work.

The masks produced in the workshop will be delivered to a clean workspace for sterilising with ozone and packing before distribution. There is no need to wash the mask before it is used for the first time.

In the face of the tight supply of masks amid the epidemic, the Government set aside funds to subsidise projects on technology applications of reusable masks under the first round of the Anti-epidemic Fund.

The CuMask complies with the American Society for Testing & Materials F2100 Level 1 standard and can be washed up to 60 times. It can also be used for a longer period after replacing the filter.

Mrs Lam said she is pleased to note that CuMask is well received by the public and the registration process has been very smooth.

“CuMask is a home-grown scientific research achievement with local application. The whole process has involved co-operation between the Government, industry, academia and the research sector and is an outstanding example of the use of technology to improve people’s lives.

“It will also help solve the problem of the supply of face masks during an epidemic in the long run. I highly commend all the people who have participated in the relevant work and I am fully confident in the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.”

Mrs Lam appealed to the public to make use of the registration quota of up to six people to minimise delivery resources and enhance efficiency.

She added that relevant departments will deliver the masks as soon as possible.