Artists in Gaza create different designs that they draw on as protective masks, with the aim of encouraging residents in the crowded sector to use them.
Dergham Qaraqeh (23 years old) and two of his friends started the project when there were reports of the first two cases of the emerging coronavirus earlier this month, and health sector officials say the number of cases has risen to nine since then.
Experts say that the infection can spread quickly in a sector inhabited by about two million Palestinians over an area of 375 square kilometers and scarce medical supplies.
"Our drawings on the masks are many and different," artist Tamer El-Deeb told Reuters, while wearing a mask with a smile on his face, with red teeth. We drew drawings of love, security, peace. Delightful joyful colors, some of which were frightening to convey the message that this virus is deadly. This virus is not simple. We want to encourage people to wear the muzzle. ”
The artist, Samah Saeed, said, "The idea matured in her mind, based on her experience with her children at home.
Some garment factories in the Gaza Strip are now focusing on producing gags and personal protective vests in an effort to alleviate the severe shortage in medical supplies.
There are other initiatives for the production of protective equipment that see the light in the Gaza Strip. Muhammad Abu Matar, an engineer in the media, started making a mask specialized in 3D printing.
"One of the ideas is a mask called (Face Shield), which is a mask that covers the entire face to protect medical personnel from any fluids or sprays that can come into contact with the doctor's face or those working with the injured directly," he said.
"Every day there are updates on Face Shield and many ideas about it," he added.
- Multiple graphics with cheerful joyful colors indicating love and peace.