The Decathlon group has just withdrawn its diving masks from sale to distribute them to caregivers and patients on the front line facing the coronavirus.
Many hospitals are currently facing a shortage of masks and respirators to combat the Covid-19 pandemic . Faced with the difficulty, many caregivers in Italy, Spain and France had the idea a few days ago of using the Easybreath diving masks manufactured by Decathlon to protect himself. In an article published on March 23, we learned that the company Isinnova had also succeeded in "tinkering" with a respirator by re-adapting this type of diving mask using a 3D printer.
This enthusiastic news, which quickly went viral, led the group's managers to temper the ardor of Internet users.
"In recent days, we have indeed been approached by research centers and hospitals , “, could we read on March 25 on Decathlon’s Twitter account. “We naturally agreed to share our 3D plans and technical information with the most serious and advanced projects. […] But we remind you that the Easybreath is a mask that was designed solely for snorkeling. We are not doctors and we do not have the skills to support use in the medical field “.
"If we see successful projects, and hospitals confirm that certain tests work, then we will keep you informed “, could we read in another tweet. “But in the meantime, be careful of the unsourced and unverified information relayed on social networks in recent days “.
However, everything then accelerated. Tests have since validated the prototype imagined by the company Isinnova. Faced with an ever-increasing lack of resources, several hospitals have also contacted Decathlon again in order to obtain Easybreath masks. In response to demand, the group therefore finally decided to block the sale of its masks “in order to reserve all available stock to give to healthcare personnel “.
Over 30,000 masks (as well as 30,000 swimming goggles) will soon be distributed in French establishments that have expressed the need. "If you represent a hospital, or are part of the medical or relief staff, you can also send us your donation requests at this address:[email protected]" , adds on Tweeter the community manager of the group.
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