Mask Manufacturing at Full Speed
Before the COVID-19, the maximum daily production of masks in China was more than 20 million. In order to fill the gap, the authorities took measures of using central reserves, increasing production capacity, and transferring exports to domestic sales to ensure demand. Local governments have also mobilized to open up green channels to urgently resume work and replenish goods.
On January 25, 2020, more than 30 mask companies resumed production, and the output of masks reached more than 8 million a day;
On February 2, 2020, the nationwide actual production capacity of masks was restored to 60%;
On February 3, 2020, the output of masks in 22 key provinces across the country reached 14.8 million;
On February 7, 2020, the national mask capacity utilization rate reached 73%, of which the medical mask capacity utilization rate reached 87%;
On February 11, 2020, the national mask capacity utilization rate reached 94%; of which, the medical N95 mask capacity utilization rate reached 128%;
On February 29, 2020, the national daily production capacity of masks reached 110 million, and the daily output reached 116 million, which was 5.2 times and 12 times that of February 1.
Among them, in addition to the companies that originally engaged in medical equipment and protective products, they are fully fired up and work overtime to produce; there are also many "halfway" companies that temporarily set up production lines to switch to masks.
"If we can't buy masks to donate, we will produce them by ourselves!"
According to statistics, only from January 1 to February 7, 2020, more than 3000 companies have added businesses including masks, protective clothing, disinfectant, thermometer, and medical equipment.
Jiang Juan, a rural girl, entered a mask factory in February this year to do "Ear loops taping" work. She still remembers that she had to wear a mask for almost 24 hours in the factory, and she also needed a mask, hat and earplugs to enter the operation room.
"Tap the machine with your feet, and it will stick to the mask when the temperature is high. It's very simple. Wages are calculated by pieces, 3 cents for one on day shift and 4 cents for one on night shift." During that time, Jiang Juan, who was swift and clumsy, could earn about 6,000 yuan, which is much higher than her previous income.
"There is a sense of pride of serving the people." Said Jiang Juan, who had been working in a garment factory before. In her opinion, "the days in the mask factory are the highlights of her life." With the efforts of people like Jiang Juan, my medical family has gradually grown, and gloriously "on duty" in every corner to fight against the epidemic. I can proudly say that I am part of China's "anti-epidemic" victory.
China "protects" you with masks
I am a mask. Although I have shown my ability during the COVID-19 spreading globally, not everyone is willing to choose me due to various reasons such as habits, culture and others. However, with my excellent ability, I play an important role!
On July 11, 2020 local time, US President Trump was photographed wearing a mask in public for the first time when visiting a military medical center. Just a day ago, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also put on a mask in public for the first time.
In November, U.S. President-elect Biden even stated that he would promote the mandatory wearing of masks throughout the United States. In an interview with CNN, he said that the first measure he took was to let Americans wear masks for 100 days.
"Though separated by a mountain, we'll share the same clouds and rain; And a bright moon belongs not to a single town!” Faced with the global shortage of masks, my motherland China has also unselfishly opened its arms, and more and more brothers and sisters are sent to "business trips" all over the world.
On December 11,2020, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China has provided more than 200 billion masks to countries all over the world so far.
In December, 2020, Mr. Lan, the owner of a mask factory in Guangzhou, began to wear long sleeves, and the banner in the factory was changed to "Continuous optimization, refinement and pragmatism, entering the second half, expanding to 1,000 people and working to a billion. "
To Mr. Lan, the year of 2020 is quite magical, and his understanding of mask machines is also changing: "Previously, the stable efficiency of most machines on the market was 25-30 pieces per minute. The epidemic has greatly promoted the development of mask machines. From 30 slices to 80 slices, to 100 slices, 200 slices. Optimization is currently what the mask machine industry has been doing." According to Mr. Lan, the most popular one sold in the factory is an "elastic ear strap inner wrapping machine". The ear straps are wrapped by the edge of the mask. It can be switched between children and adults with, adjustable in length, and stable in production of 200 pieces/minute.
Another winter arrives, Jiang Juan and Mr. Lan's lives are gradually returning to ordinary. However, the current overseas epidemic situation is accelerating, and sporadic spreads in China from time to time. My brothers and sisters and I still insist on working on everyone's mouth and nose and fulfilling our mission.
Gao Fu, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, also reminded everyone: If you have taken off your mask, please remember to wear it back, and we will work together to "survive" from this winter.
Maybe my life span is very short with only 4 hours, but in 2020 of the "war against the epidemic", I hope you will remember that I once "protected" you.
