The federal government is increasing its made-in-Canada efforts on producing ventilators during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau announced this morning in his daily address.
The Prime Minister said the government is working with four companies to produce the essential supplies, including Vancouver Island-based StarFish Medical. Thornhill Medical, CAE, and Ventilators for Canadians will also aid in producing 30,000 ventilators.
StarFish Medical ranked 266th in Canada’s top 400 growing companies in the Globe and Mail’s 2019 report.
Trudeau said the entire supply of 30,000 ventilators may not be needed, but the availability of them is important, and that any excess ventilators can be shared with other countries.
“We’re working around the clock to make sure our frontline workers have everything they need to stay safe,” the Prime Minister said.
He also added that 500,000 respiratory masks from 3M plants in the U.S. are expected to be delivered on Wednesday.
Over 20 other companies like Arc’teryx and Canada Goose are also working with the government to produce medical gowns and create new supply chains for PPEs.
The Prime Minister opened his address with words of encouragement for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was moved into ICU after testing positive for COVID-19 over a week ago.
Trudeau assured the British public that Canadians stand with them.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 1,386,771.
Over 79,000 people have died from the illness and 297,477 have made a full recovery.
