Shirt that will kill Corona Virus ! ~ .. . இது என்னடா புதுசா இருக்கு !

Viruses are microscopic parasites, generally much smaller than bacteria. They lack the capacity to thrive and reproduce outside of a host body.  Predominantly, viruses have a reputation for being the cause of contagion.

                                       Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. For about 100 years, the scientific community has repeatedly changed its collective mind over what viruses are. First seen as poisons, then as life-forms, then biological chemicals, viruses today are thought of as being in a gray area between living and nonliving: they cannot replicate on their own but can do so in truly living cells and can also affect the behavior of their hosts profoundly. .. .. during these torrid lockdown times, the least you would want to read is on Virus – so no farther !

A simple Q ~ as and when the World returns to normalcy perhaps closer to Deepavali – when you start going back to Office – would you buy new Shirts / clothes ? – for long Garment shops have remained closed or have not seen customers when open. So when normalcy returns – what will be the pricing ? – will they be available for lower prices since there have been no takers (far less demand) or would they be priced high for the shops have not had sales to cover their overheads ? – what is your answer ?

England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor shocked the Cricketing world when she announced her retirement from international cricket. The 30-year-old made 226 appearances for her country after making her debut in 2006. Perhaps the finest pure keeper in the world, no other woman has effected more dismissals than Taylor’s 232 across the three formats. She cited  anxiety-related issues, stating that they  took a toll on her batting.

When India toured Australia, in the ODI series, they brought in Peter Taylor, who plucked a catch from nowhere ending Krish Srikkanth innings; when he was selected – he reportedly asked ‘ Taylor who ? ’ meaning he was not expecting a call. A tall, angular offspinner and stubborn left-hand bat, Peter Taylor was plucked from such obscurity to play England in 1986-87 that it was assumed the selectors had mistaken him for Mark Taylor. Undaunted, he took 6 for 87 with his energetic, jerky action that resembled a bell-ringer, and was Man of the Match.

Taylor is a surname used in the British Isles of French and Latin origin which originated as a Norman occupational surname (meaning tailor) in France.  It is derived from the Old French tailleur ("cutter"), which is in turn derived from the Late Latin taliator, from taliare ("to Cut").

During our School days – there were strict uniforms – most school uniforms were white shirts.  In Hindu High School, it was khaki trousers and white shirt and for +2 it was white & white.  Those days white shirts were seen as symbol of purity, superiority.  Teachers, Lawyers, noblemen and politicians wear only white ! – police wear khaki – blue is generally seen as one for the labourers !

Those days in Triplicane, there were many popular tailor shops and garment sellers like Popular Swadeshi Stores in Pycrofts Road aka Barathi Salai.  Closer to Deepavali and festival times, the tailor would become a very important persons. Some of my colleagues have had their deepavali new dresses delivered literally at the 11^th hour viz., 11 pm or later on Deepavali eve.  Now, the profession has taken a big hit.  A good friend of mine had his tailoring unit at Venkatrangam Street, was doing good business but later closed down and went into showcasing multi-skills.

Tailoring in general would refer   to a set of specific hand and machine sewing and pressing techniques that are unique to the construction of traditional shirts, trousers, blouses, chudidhars and more.  Traditional tailoring is called "bespoke tailoring" in the United Kingdom, where the heart of the trade is London's Savile Row tailoring, and "custom tailoring" in the United States and Hong Kong.

Hygiene is a series of practices performed to preserve health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Hygiene refers to conditions and practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases." Personal hygiene refers to maintaining the body's cleanliness. Many people equate hygiene with 'cleanliness,' but hygiene is a broad term. It includes such personal habit choices as how frequently to take a shower or bath, wash hands, trim fingernails, and wash clothes. With Corona, people are advised to maintain social distance, wear masks, and wash their hands with soap or sanitizers regularly.

Everybody has many shirts of different colours in their wardrobes or simply inside the bureau or almirahs. Some are formal, some are causals, some are for partying – all these were maintained well, washed, ironed and worn for occasions but with Corona and people staying at home for 100 days, there has not been need for formal wears, ironing and more !  .. .. do you remember the last date when you wore a good shirt, formally tucked inside a neat trouser and walked with shoes on.  .. ..how comfortable would you be in having your shirt ironed by an outsider now ? – will virus spread through a garment ?

It is stated that only after WW 1, the modern shirt with buttons all along the front became popular, even though  the first buttoned shirt was registered by Brown, Davies & Co as early as 1871. In the 1930’s the shirt with the fixed collar revived and it has been with us ever since. Twenty years later the nylon shirt was introduced and during the same period of time the more daring short sleeve shirt became high fashion. In the 1960’s the chest pocket was introduced as a consequence of the vest under the suit jacket becoming more and more uncommon. Nowadays the shirt is a piece of clothing for him as well as for her even if most of the shirts are manufactured for males. The styling and design variations of modern shirts are endless. The collar comes in many different cuts and sizes and is very sensitive to fashion fads. The fabric used come in many qualities and constructions.

Ever imagined a Shirt that can kill virus ! ~ and ensure that Corona is not spread!

Today was surprised to see this advertisement claiming that ‘this shirt kills 99% of Covid-19 virus’.   A shirt that kills virus on the surface ?  it is claimed that the  shirt lasts for 30 washes at 40 degree Celsius and the company advises the customers to keep a track of the washes.   The company also says that the shirt isn't a 'medical device' or a cure.

It is read that the  Securo range from ZODIAC is from fabric processed with “HeiQ VIROBLOCK”. This Swiss technology kills 99% viruses & bacteria, including COVID-19* on contact with the surface fabric. HeiQ Viroblock is EU BPR & EU REACH compliant. It lasts for 30 home washes at 40°C (104°F). Please keep track of your washes. The fabric is safe for human contact & on the environment and has been tested by HeiQ with the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne, Australia & Main ingredients registered with US TSCA and US EPA. This is not a medical device & for use only as a shirt, does not guarantee against infections and is not a cure. *As per ISO 18184 strong antiviral and ISO 20743 antibacterial effect against enveloped viruses and bacteria proven effective against SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 causing virus.

Perhaps Zodiac is not alone !   Arvind Limited has said that it will manufacture anti-viral shirting and suiting fabrics, readymade garments in India. The textile and apparel firm plans to launch anti-viral textile technology under its brand"Intellifabrix", the company said in an exchange filing on Wednesday.  "The world is facing an unprecedented crisis due to COVID-19. In this context,we are committed to keep our customers safe and that is why we have tied up with HeiQ to bring its revolutionary Viroblock technology to India. We are excited with this partnership and in a very short period of time we will introduce into the Indian market fabrics that will provide best-in-class viral protection and are fashionable at the same time,"  Arvind spokesperson says.  Viruses and bacteria can remain active on textile surfaces for up to two days, Arvind said citing a research. "Garments treated with HeiQ Viroblock actively inhibit viruses and kill them upon contact, helping to minimize the potential for re-transmission of pathogens through clothing," it added.

.. .. .. இது என்னடா புதுசா இருக்கு  !

With regards – S. Sampathkumar

29.6.2020