Ferrari makes parts to turn snorkel masks into coronavirus kit

Ferrari makes parts to turn snorkel masks into coronavirus kit

The idea of adapting the masks, originally proposed by Italian engineers, is now being used in several countries to meet a surge in demand for respirators during the pandemic.. Luxury carmaker Ferrari has begun making parts to convert snorkel masks into respirators for treating patients with coronavirus and protecting medical workers.. Ferrari on Thursday said in a statement that it had started making thermoplastic valves and fittings for masks using its 3D printing technology at its Maranello plant.. It said it planned to manufacture several hundred pieces of the equipment, which would be used in Italian hospitals and by health service workers.. Some valves have been developed by diving equipment manufacturer Mares to fit their underwater masks and create respirators for patients suffering from respiratory failure.. Other fittings are being supplied to Italian digital-manufacturing group Solid Energy, which will use them to transform snorkel masks by sports retailer Decathlon into protection for healthcare workers.. Ferrari has halted operations at its two plants until May 3, when Rome is expected to start easing nationwide restrictions on non-essential business activities.. As part of the scheme Ferrari will give workers the opportunity to use a mobile app which will help trace possible coronavirus