SCHOOLS in Worcester have rallied behind the NHS to do their bit during the coronavirus pandemic, one teacher making masks to protect frontline staff.

Chris Wilson, head of design technology at King's School in Worcester, created masks from recycled specs which have gone out to GP surgeries, including at Henwick Halt Medical Centre. More are already in production.

Meanwhile, Christopher Whitehead Language College in Worcester has donated 153 new specs, 211 used specs and various items such as disposable gloves to support doctors and nurses in Worcester.

They have also bagged up 39 goggles, 10 unopened boxes nitrlie gloves, six open boxes of nitrile gloves, one unopened box of vinyl gloves, five packs of opened vinyl gloves and 15 packs of disposable PE gloves.

Mr Wilson of King's School said: “I saw that many design and technology teachers were sharing 3D printer files for the production of masks.”

However, he said: “For me, 3D printing was not the best solution. It would take three or four hours to make a single mask (which might end up being single-use and thrown away) and many suppliers have sold out of the materials needed due to a surge in demand.”

The creation of these masks follows the request from a practice manager of a local GP medical centre who asked if the school could donate any safety specs.

Mr Wilson has posted the process in various national and international design and technology Facebook groups to help those teachers who might be unable to 3D print or laser cut masks.

He said: “The response has been enormous. The masks aren’t pretty, but that’s not in the brief. They function well, and are easily washable.”

After delivering 28 masks to the surgery on Wednesday, Mr Wilson is now starting day two of production at school, creating another 32 masks for distribution across Worcester.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he has not been advised to change the UK's approach to members of the public wearing face masks, as the US Government formalises guidance to recommend many Americans wear them to help fight Covid-19.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said only those with Covid-19 symptoms and those caring for them need masks, but this guidance is set to be reviewed