A donation of 75,000 surgical masks to the provincial stockpile by Michelin North America was desperately needed among shortages of essential supplies in the fight against COVID-19.
The masks are part of a total of 125,000 masks, with the remainder to arrive in the coming weeks. Michelin North America has pledged to donate 700,000 masks across North America to help where they are needed most. The masks will be stored in the provincial COVID-19 warehouse until they are distributed as needed.
Part of the shipment will go to long-term care facilities across the province. 10 long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia have recorded cases of COVID-19; Northwood Care Home in Halifax has been hit particularly hard by the virus with 21 deaths as of Tuesday. Masks will also go to protect front-line staff who are providing patient care in a variety of settings.
Andrew Mutch, President of Michelin North America Inc. said that they are pleased to be able to play a role in the provinces COVID-19 response efforts.
“As Nova Scotians we need to work together to ensure that our front-line workers in our communities, many of whom are our families, neighbours and friends, have access to the protective equipment that they need,” he said.