What if millions of amateur athletes found their treadmill and weight bench thanks to a special mask?
Launched this summer by the Ministry of Sports, Decathlon and the Sport and Cycle Union, the project for a fabric capable of protecting from Covid-19 and suitable for the practice of indoor sport is currently in its approval phase.
A prospect applauded by the industry, whose theaters have been closed since September.
Explanations.
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How it works ?
For the moment, Decathlon remains elusive on the technical details of the mask on which it has been working for several months in its northern premises.
"We are moving step by step and wish to validate all the stages of the development process, explains the brand in a press release sent Wednesday evening.
At the end of these steps, we will be able to communicate more details about this product.
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"It must combine breathability and safety," said the general delegate of Union Sport Cycle (USC), which brings together the majority of professionals in the sector, Virgile Caillet.
It requires specific materials, which do not compromise on the principle of forming a barrier against the virus.
The product, finalized by Decathlon, is currently in the hands of the French Association for Standardization (Afnor), responsible for scientifically approving it.
"This mask must be rigid enough not to fit into the mouth when we breathe in during the effort," describes the hygienist and infectious disease specialist Stéphane Gayet, from Strasbourg University Hospital.
It must also withstand the perspiration of the wearer, without being too tight for air to pass.
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How effective would it be?
"It must be at least as much as a classic mask", insists Virgile Caillet.
Decathlon also insists: its innovation must be “a breathable mask with the same filtration characteristics”.
Afnor, which works with technicians and scientists on the subject, must ensure that the product meets these requirements.
“Technically, it's doable,” assures Stéphane Gayet.
The virus does not pass through the air, but mainly via droplets.
We have very precise laboratory tests that make it possible to determine what comes out of a mask or not, and in what direction.
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When would it be available?
This is one of the big questions.
Decathlon ensures that it will give more details on the marketing of the product "possibly at the end of the first trimester".
On the side of the USC, we are counting on an approval in the coming weeks to move on to a phase of real-life testing in February and wider marketing during the month of March.
Contacted, the Ministry of Sports evokes "a job well underway", but is still cautious about a date of availability to the public.
"It will have to be validated by the High Council for Public Health and by the Ministry of Health," Minister Roxana Maracineanu said on Wednesday.
Moreover, its marketing would not be synonymous with immediate reopening of the rooms, the decision being up to the Defense Council.
Who would it be for?
For amateur athletes.
“Professionals have exemptions to practice without a mask, it is not aimed at them”, describes Virgile Caillet.
The target audience: gyms, fitness or yoga classes.
It could also apply to indoor sports without physical contact, such as tennis, badminton or table tennis.
"It is a beacon of hope for an important sector of our economy", continues the general delegate of the USC, which deplores the final closure of 400 sports halls since the beginning of the health crisis.
“If this innovation allows us to reopen, we are obviously very favorable,” says Fabrice Rouget, spokesperson for Basic Fit.
Finally, the sports mask will have no impact on whether or not ski areas are reopened.
How much would it cost?
It is the other great unknown of the file.
“We are not yet able to give a precise figure at this stage of the process, recognizes Virgile Caillet.
It also depends on whether you order 10,000 or 20 million.
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“Its price and durability will be an important factor in its effectiveness,” explains Stéphane Gayet.
If you have an expensive single-use mask, there is a good chance that people will be tempted to reuse it and put themselves in a situation of contracting Covid-19.
“According to our information, its designers are currently counting on at least ten uses per mask.
"In any case, it will be more expensive than a classic mask", warns the general delegate of USC.
Several professionals in the sector hope that the Ministry of Sports will cover at least part of the cost of the mask.
But here again, this point is not yet decided.
Can we make it ourselves?
A priori, no.
The technical process greatly exceeds the level of requirement required for a conventional mask.
Afnor tells us that the specifications will target manufacturers wishing to follow Decathlon in this niche, but will in no case be a boss for amateur athletes, as is the case for the general public mask.