The University of Guelph is donating masks and other much-needed personal protection equipment (PPE) to local public health authorities to help in the fight against COVID-19.

The University recently delivered a shipment of 10,000 N95 masks, collected from labs across campus, to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

This delivery is the first of several expected shipments of items to be donated to health-care workers who need them the most.

“This is a time when we need to step up and do what we can to help,” said Don O’Leary, vice-president (finance, administration and risk).

U of G has been working with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to coordinate the best way to donate supplies the University had on hand.

The University plans to provide other products, including disinfectant wipes, nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer, surgical masks and  isolation gowns. The Ontario Veterinary College will also donate ventilator equipment.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a nationwide call to Canadian universities, asking them to contribute medical supplies and expertise to the fight against COVID-19.

“These donations will help our local health-care workers continue to provide care for those in need,” said O’Leary. “We are happy we are able to support our front-line workers and will continue to look for more ways the University can contribute to the fight against COVID-19.”