https://nypost.com/2020/04/21/florid...urmese-python/

A Florida shop owner is selling face masks made out of the skin of a Burmese python, an invasive species in the Everglades, to create a 'fashion statement' and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Brian Wood, the owner of All American Gator Products in Dania Beach, is crafting different leather masks from the skin of various animals like pythons, crocodiles and alligators, according to the Miami Herald.

'People are going to have to cover their faces, and unfortunately the situation may last longer than we imagined,' Wood told the newspaper.

'Some people want to make a fashion statement even during this pandemic, so I want to give them options.'

Python skin itself doesn't provide protection from COVID-19 like the M95 masks, which blocks small and large airborne particles.

Wood is in the process of designing a mask that allows a filter to be added or removed and he talks with suppliers of filters and may use cloth because surgical gear material is in high demand and running scarce.

Florida city officials in Miami mandated residents earlier in the week to wear masks in grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience stores wear face coverings.

The measure also requires all delivery workers to wear masks, as well as all construction workers on job sites.