Manitoba businesses asked to step up

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/04/2020 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the world grapples with shortages of key supplies needed in the fight against COVID-19, Manitoba is looking within its own borders to start pumping out a new kind of reusable N95 mask, designed here in the province.

On Saturday, the province put out a request for proposals looking for businesses interested in producing the new masks, which were designed by a team of researchers at the Health Sciences Centre. The masks feature a 3D-printed silicone base, which can be fitted with filter discs that are rated N95 or better.

The filter material by itself is easier to acquire than traditional N95 masks, Manitoba chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa said on Saturday. N95 masks recently became a political flashpoint after U.S. President Donald Trump moved to bar manufacturer 3M from exporting them to buyers in Canada and other regions.

The disruption left Canadian jurisdictions scrambling to find other sources.

“Last week was particularly challenging and a bit of a wake-up call that we cannot rely on our typical processes,” Siragusa said. “Like other jurisdictions, Manitoba’s supply stockpile has been significantly impacted by global pressures, and requires a co-ordinated effort.”

The province doesn’t yet have a target number for how many of the new, locally-made masks they’d like to acquire, Siragusa said. That will depend on how many businesses express interest, she said, and what their capabilities are.

“We would like to say ‘lots,’ ” she said. “We really don’t want to rely on outside sources. As much as possible, we want made-in-Manitoba solutions. I just think that’s our best bet for getting through the weeks and months ahead.”

For interested businesses, the request for proposals can be found at manitoba.ca/covid19/business.

The new plea is the latest in a series of efforts to stockpile key pandemic supplies. Currently, the province is working with more than 600 vendors to obtain what it needs from the market, Siragusa said. These include Canada Goose, which has adapted its Winnipeg apparel factories to make hospital gowns.

Those efforts come against a backdrop of ongoing concern from front-line workers, including nurses and home care staff, about the availablity of personal protective equipment. Acknowledging those concerns, Siragusa emphasized that pandemic response leaders are committed to getting workers what they need to operate safely.

‘The generosity of Manitobans is unequalled. I know that every member of our health-care workers, our teams, joins me in saying ‘thank you’ — Chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa

“I don’t doubt there’s challenges,” Siragusa said. “When those challenges arise, we need you to make sure that your voices are heard, and to know your concerns are important. We want to hear if there are challenges. We want you to talk to your managers. We want you to be part of the solution.”

Since calling on the community to donate supplies, the province has received a great deal of donations from private businesses and even schools, Siragusa said. Those supplies included gloves, hand sanitizer and other key needs.

“The generosity of Manitobans is unequalled,” Siragusa said. “I know that every member of our health-care workers, our teams, joins me in saying ‘thank you.’”

There are other ways the public can help Manitoba’s pandemic response. The province will soon look to expand the number of qualified volunteers deployed to support regional operations, Siragusa said. Currently, volunteers are helping out at testing sites, call centres and other programs.

In the coming weeks, the province will be expanding those opportunities to include administrative work and even some duties requiring face-to-face interaction with patients. Volunteers will be screened for COVID-19, as well as other potential illness.

Those living in Winnipeg who are interested in volunteering can learn more here. Folks living outside the city can contact their regional health authority.

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca