A top doctor in B.C. acknowledged that healthcare workers are facing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Although the supplies are under active monitoring, the COVID-19 cases that require hospitalization have increased. PPE is being utilized faster than expected. Measures are in place to try and control and being more efficient and effective and how the PPEs are used. There are new shipments on order and alternative supplies across the board are being considered.
The issue is not just in B.C. since some hospitals are rationing PPE, with doctors allowed to use just one mask per day to maintain supply.
Locally, donations of unused PPE such as gloves and masks are being gathered and will be re-distributed into the provincial supply chain.
A Coquitlam textiles business stated that it is pivoting its business in hopes of helping with the shortage of masks throughout the country. Novo Textiles has previously produced medical supplies, including hospital pillows. Some of the overseas contacts of the company have been leveraged and quickly ordered a machine to produce surgical masks.
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