A Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council believes, though PPE manufacturers are getting fresh enquires, the spike in COVID-19 cases may not necessarily lead to a surge in demand again. Raja M Shanmugham, President, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association agrees, though a few manufacturers will continue to make PPEs and masks, there will not be a major shift to PPE production as demand will not be high. Garment manufacturers are likely to continue making regular products.

A recognized laboratory to test PPEs and masks, the Southern India Textile Research Association, has been receiving a steady stream of samples to test different standards, but there is no rush for products as before. K S Sundararaman, Chairman, Indian Technical Textile Association believes, as there is no government mandate now on the use of PPEs demand is not likely to be high. Also, not all hospitals are keen on buying laminated PPEs as the focus now is more on the use of masks and sanitizers, and there is adequate capacity for manufacturing gloves, sanitizers, and masks.