James Dyson, founder of UK-based company Dyson, which manufactures vacuum cleaners, hairdryers, humidifiers and other products, designed a new ventilator in 10 days. The billionaire founder plans on making 15,000 more for the fight against the pandemic. He also plans to donate 5,000 ventilators towards the international effort to fight COVID-19.
Boris Johnson-led UK government had given an order of 10,000 ventilators to Dyson to support the National Health Service’s effort to treat coronavirus patients. After confirming the order, in a letter to employees, Dyson wrote, “A ventilator supports a patient who is no longer able to maintain their own airways, but sadly there is currently a significant shortage, both in the UK and other countries around the world,” CNN reported.
Dyson said the new ventilator, called CoVent, can be manufactured quickly, efficiently and in large quantities and has been designed specifically to assist those affected by the coronavirus.
In the US, President Donald Trump on Monday gave auto companies like Ford, General Motors and Tesla the go-ahead to produce ventilators.
The death toll in the UK has risen from 475 to 578 and the total number of cases is at 11,658.
In an Instagram message, Queen Elizabeth II wrote, “We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services."
UK citizens also took part in national applause of thanks for NHS workers, doctors and other helpers for their work in the fight against coronavirus.
