INVESTIGATION
French industry is mobilizing to meet the country's needs in masks, respirators and hydroalcoholic gel. Since the start of the coronavirus epidemic, hundreds of companies have abandoned their traditional production to reorient their activities during the health crisis.
While there was a shortage at the start of the hydroalcoholic gel epidemic, it now comes out of 550,000 liters per day, in France alone. This is 11 times more than before the health crisis. Same pattern for mask production. Before the epidemic, only four factories manufactured them in France. There are now no less than 45.
"I told my teams it was a challenge"
David Anger heads the Microplast company in the Paris region. Overnight, he proposed to his teams to create a mask mold for caregivers, with an integrated protective visor. "I told my teams that it was a challenge, that it had to be released in less than 15 days ... They took me for a madman! We made a mold in 10 days, it's exceptional. worked on Saturday, Sunday ... ", he tells the microphone of Europe 1.
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> How long are healthy carriers contagious?
> What are the side effects of chloroquine?
> Adulterated tests, false calls for donations ...: watch out for scams linked to the coronavirus
> Reading, board games ... How to stimulate your brain during confinement?
> How to avoid gaining pounds during confinement?
Masks twice tested before being approved
Before being distributed, all new masks are first tested by the Directorate General of Armaments (DRA). She is responsible for checking whether they filter enough, and whether they allow good breathing.
The boss of Saint James, Luc Lesénécal, has just obtained his approval. His company now manufactures masks with the fabric normally used for its stripes. "We took six samples to Paris, which were tested twice by the DGA: as they are, and after five washes," he explains.
>> Watch Matthieu Belliard's morning show in replay and in podcast here
These temporary adaptations can, however, be quite expensive for companies, many of which donate their production, or resell it at cost. The Île-de-France region is therefore preparing to offer them up to 800,000 euros in subsidies.