Calling on nail salons, construction contractors and veterinarians to help fight COVID-19's spread

Medical students in Newfoundland and Labrador have launched a drive to collect personal protective equipment for the fight against COVID-19.

They're gathering masks, gowns and gloves for front-line health-care workers risking exposure to the potentially deadly virus.

"They need this equipment to stay healthy and do their work helping people who have become infected with the virus," said Aanchal Ralhan​​​​​​, one of the group's organizers.

The students know they're up against fear and uncertainty that's pushing some people to hoard what they have. So, they're looking well beyond health-care providers.

"We've been reaching out to veterinary clinics, places like nail salons. We've been trying to think outside the box.… Some restaurants have some gloves and things," said Ralhan.

The students say a shortage of equipment such as masks and gloves could be disastrous, leaving front-line workers unable to do their jobs and ultimately, resulting in further spreading of the disease. They say shortages are already happening in other parts of Canada and the U.S.

"Health-care professionals are having to reuse masks and other PPE meant for one-time use, putting them at a greater risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19," said Ralhan.

"We want to prevent this from happening in our community,"

The group has already collected 900 pairs of gloves. They say it's going to become more important to get protective equipment to the people who need it most, as the total number of people infected and hospitalized in this province grows.

On Sunday, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the province's chief medical officer of health, announced 15 new cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases to 135.

Seven of those cases have required hospitalization and two of them are receiving care in intensive-care units.

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