In view of safety measures to minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Apple’s design team has developed face masks which will be provided to the company’s corporate and retail employees.

The Cupertino, California-technology giant developed the first created in-house mask called the Apple Face Mask, for the safety of its staff. Another one called ClearMask comes from an external source.

Apple initially created a different face shield for medical workers and distributed millions of other masks across the health-care sector.

The development of the Face Mask was handled by the same Engineering and Industrial Design teams behind the mechanism of devices like the iPhone and iPad. In order to regulate and filter incoming and outgoing particles, this design comprises three layers. The masks can be washable and reusable for up to five times.

In typical Apple style, the mask looks unique with large coverings on the top and bottom for the wearer’s nose and chin. It also has adjustable strings to fit around a person’s ears.

After Apple made the confirmation, further information was the conduction of careful research and identifying the right materials in test phases to properly filter the air and avoiding disruption to the supply of medical personal protective equipment. Employees shall receive the Apple Face Mask within two weeks.

The externally sourced ClearMask is the first FDA-cleared surgical mask that is completely transparent, Apple told employees. It shows the full face so people who are deaf or hard of hearing can better understand what the wearer is saying.

Apple teamed up with Washington-based Gallaudet University, which specializes in educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students, to select which clear mask to use. Other steps included testing in three Apple stores and exploring other methods.

Prior to mask design, Apple provided employees with standard cloth masks. It also offers basic surgical masks to customers visiting its retail stores.