Ontario stockpiled 55 million N95 masks after SARS

The Government of Ontario is looking at using expired medical supplies to deal with the growing coronavirus outbreak in the province.

Around 55 million N95 respirator masks were stockpiled in Ontario after the SARS epidemic in 2002.

Officials would only confirm the expiration of those masks but did not reveal how many are left in the stockpile that could potentially be deployed. On average, N95 masks expire after 5 years for normal use, though in a crisis situation expectations for their use could be made.

Kelowna first aid
Around 55 million N95 respirator masks were stockpiled in Ontario after the SARS epidemic in 2002.

There are mounting concerns from health-care providers about the lack of personal protection equipment, including face masks.

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Learn how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workplaces and school admissions or the available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-face-masks-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-surgical-masks-and-face-masks

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