According to the researchers, the mask, which also serves as a protective barrier, was designed using 3D printing and contains a map and temperature, humidity and pressure sensors to measure the pressure and respiratory cycle, as well as the oxygen level in the blood spO2 (by combining it with an oximeter).

"MIDAD" is one of the 6 projects selected in an international competition called "HakingCovid19" organised by HEC Paris and other partners, which received no less than 102 applications. Thanks to this distinction, a Moroccan investor offered to finance the production of this mask.

 In a statement to MAP, the coordinator of the scientific team, Dr. Mouhsine Lakhdissi, specified that this mask is connected via Bluetooth to the Trackorona application which offers "tracking" (tracing) of the user's movements in order to detect his level of compliance with containment and social distancing.

 He reported that the application, which can be downloaded free of charge to smartphones independently of the mask, offers a medically validated self-diagnosis form and innovative technology for detecting the symptoms of the disease by voice.

 The intelligent mask MIDAD and the Trackorona application is a 100% Moroccan project, which offers an innovative and low-cost method, he said, stressing that it is "a modest scientific contribution made available to our country by way of recognition and remains open to improvements, adaptations and corrections made by experts".

 Regarding the steps taken to protect this invention, Dr. Lakhdissi explained that a patent application has been filed for this device which will be launched in Open Source for Moroccan citizens and government.

 He said that the scientific team worked on this project for a month, adding that the idea is the result of a collective reflection within the framework of citizen mobilization in connection with the global pandemic.