The Manitoba government says it¡¯s willing to sign purchase orders worth up to $15 million to companies that can quickly make reusable masks as it continues to look for equipment to protect health-care workers as they fight COVID-19.
Chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin and chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa told a news conference on Saturday that the government wants local companies to make the masks, which have been designed by a team of medical experts at Winnipeg¡¯s Health Sciences Centre.
The province says the masks have a silicone base and use an N95 or higher grade filter.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Petropolis, who led the design team, said in a news release the small disk filter uses considerably less N95 material, the main component that has led to a worldwide mask shortage.
Siragusa says that last week in particular was a ¡°wakeup call¡± for Manitoba as it, like other jurisdictions worldwide, tried to obtain enough protective equipment.
She says the province wants to get away from relying on outside sources for the gear.
¡°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,¡± she said.
The province says a portion of the $15 million may be available in advance to supplement start-up costs.
Siragusa said shortages of protective equipment has forced the postponement of elective non-urgent surgery, and has also caused changes in diagnostic procedures.
The province said the reusable masks are as effective as other commercially avilable N95 masks.
¡°One thing that has never shifted and is always top of mind in every conversation is the importance of making sure that our staff are safe,¡± Sigursa said.
Manitoba said Saturday that it had 226 confirmed 17 presumptive cases of COVID-19. Four people in the province have died.
