City of Markham creates PPE and medical equipment to help health care heroes fight COVID-19

Markham.ca
April 24, 2020

The City of Markham is answering the call to help in the fight against COVID-19 by using 3D equipment to print Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical equipment like face shield components and ear savers. City staff are also sewing non-medical face masks, with the goal to produce up to 100 of each item per week.

“This is another innovative initiative created by the City of Markham to help combat COVID-19. We recently launched the Markham Cares Donation Centre, and by producing Markham Cares PPE, we are taking another step to support our health care heroes who are on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I am proud of our team for coming together, knowing that we can all do our part to make a difference.”

Production of the #MarkhamCares PPE is in response to the growing need in the community. The first delivery of around 90 face shields will be delivered to the Markham Stouffville Hospital by the end of the week. Future supplies will be delivered to where they are needed most, while also addressing the critical shortage at the hospital.

In the Makerspace at the Aaniin library branch, Digital Literacy Specialists work alone using the 10 3D printers to print head bands which are then attached to mylar visors donated by shop3D.ca to create face shields. They also print ear savers, which will allow a health care provider to wear surgical masks for longer periods without chafing their ears.

Sewing machines in the Library’s Creation Studio are being used to make non-medical face masks for distribution by Markham Stouffville Hospital. In the spirit of being together alone, other staff are sewing non-medical face masks using their own sewing machines from home to support this #MarkhamCares initiative.

The City of Markham will continue to work with all levels of government, our community and local businesses to help break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. We are all in this together.

For more information and updates about COVID-19, visit markham.ca/covid19.