The Russian news agency ENV on March 17 reported that scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed masks with aligned nano-fiber that are usable for over a month and can be washed over 20 times. (Screen capture from ENV website)

By Xu Aiying and Kim Minji 

Media overseas are monitoring Korea's innovative technology used to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including reusable protective masks and rapid testing of a massive number of people.

 
The Russian news agency ENV on March 17 said in the article "Scientists in Korea develop masks reusable after repeated washing," "Scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed masks with aligned nano-fiber usable for over a month and can be washed over 20 times."

"(Korea) has developed nano-fiber filter that maintains filter efficiency even after washing," ENV said. "Through this technology, mask shortages and environmental fears over discarded masks can be solved."

The Wall Street Journal of the U.S. on March 19 said "One reason (Korea) has managed to check the virus's spread and bring down its infection rate has been an efficient testing network that allowed it to quickly isolate those infected." 

Mentioning Korea's drive-through screening clinics, the daily added, "Innovation also played a key role."

The French weekly Le Point on March 17 lauded Korea along with Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan for avoiding a worst-case situation without sacrificing the economy and human rights in the article "COVID-19: How did Asian tigers prevent the infectious disease?"

The magazine said, "The reason Korea's fatality rate is under 1% is because tests are available even when the symptoms are minor, and if a person is quickly confirmed to have the virus, the possibility of his or her condition getting worse is low."

xuaiy@korea.kr