Azzurri Sport fights against Covid-19

Waterford sports merchandiser to produce 20,000 free face masks for healthcare workers

Since 1985 Azzurri Sport Limited has produced the highest quality sports merchandise from its production facility in Kilcohan, Waterford.  While many are familiar with their kits gracing Waterford’s GAA, camogie, soccer, rugby and basketball greats throughout the years, in recent weeks Azzurri has moved into manufacturing face masks in the fight against Covid-19.

John Molloy, Managing Director Azzurri Sport, explains the move from sportswear to face masks.  “We made the decision to move into the production of non-surgical face masks for healthcare workers following the unprecedented demand for PPE (personal protective equipment).”

“Within two weeks we produced and delivered 8,000 free face masks to University Hospital Waterford, UPMC Whitfield, Waterford Nursing Home, Dungarvan Community Hospital, Crumlin Children’s Hospital and more.  The face masks we produce in Waterford are washable and re-usable with over 80% filtration efficiency and are suitable for all non-surgical environments.”

“We are committed to the manufacture and distribution of 20,000 face masks to our healthcare workers, carers, nursing homes, voluntary groups, community groups and those with underlying health conditions free of charge over the next month.  However, there is a cost to making the face masks, so we’ve set up a GoFundMe campaign – Healthcare Face Mask Initiative – in order to continue the production of the free face masks for our heroic healthcare workers.”

“Health care workers, nursing homes, volunteer organisations and community groups are essential in the delivery of care of those who are cocooning, particularly the elderly and those with underlying conditions.  While we have already supplied organisations such as Meals on Wheels, TUSLA, the Red Cross, and Waterford Food Bank with over 500 face masks, we hope that the provision of free face masks to more of these frontline workers will enable them to ensure the continuation of care for those who need it most.”

While non-surgical facemasks are integral in reducing the spread of transmission of Covid-19, they should be used in accordance with recommended measures, such as washing hands properly with warm water and soap before applying and covering mouth and nose fully with the mask and avoid touching your face.  As the face masks are reusable and washable, when damp, remove carefully and machine wash at 60 degrees, once again washing hands with warm water and soap.

If you are in a position to donate to Azzurri’s Healthcare Face mask Initiative, you can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/rugksb-face-mask

You can also call Azzurri Sports on 051 850066 or email jackmolloy@azzurri.ie