Anita Dongre will be producing masks to contribute in India’s fight against the novel coronavirus. After receiving permission from the government authorities, the label started production of masks  in two of the five village centres that were initiated in collaboration with the Maharashtra state government four years ago.

Starting this week, these centers have had voluntary participation of about 24 women who will be able to create up to 7000 masks each week for distribution to NGOs, village residents, individuals, and hospitals.

The volunteers will be working under strict social distancing and hygiene protocols to produce these masks and distribute them. Made out of cotton, the face masks will be reusable, washable and sustainable. At the request of the local hospital in Palgarh, the team will also make special disposable masks for doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

“Every one of us must do everything within our power to stop the spread of this virus and keep as many people as we can safe. The production of reusable masks is one step in that direction.” says Fashion Designer and Chief Creative Officer of ‘House of Anita Dongre’.

This is the designer’s second initiative to fight the pandemic after setting up a Rs 1.5 crore fund to cover smaller vendors and self-employed artisans.