COVID-19 has impacted our lives but even in a time of disparity, humanity and kindness continues to shine across communities. BCIT Marketing alumnus Jason Zanatta is one of many who has demonstrated resilience and kindness by offering his resources to support others.
Jason is a father of two young sons and the CEO of Novo Textiles, a Coquitlam-based pillow and dog bed company, and he’s set to become the first manufacturer in Canada to produce N95 respirators.
Upon hearing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s call for Canadian companies to help in providing critical health supplies to support Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jason quickly shifted his factory’s production ability from pillow and dog beds to medical-grade surgical masks. Jason saw this as an opportunity to keep his staff employed while supporting frontline healthcare workers and communities across Canada.
Surgical masks in Canada are required to meet strict guidelines and Jason’s company has received the Class One Medical Device license from Health Canada. The company produces 100,000 surgical masks daily with more expected as additional machines arrive in the production facility.
Read the full story in Vancouver Sun for how BCIT alumnus Jason Zanatta is expected to be the first company in Canada to produce N95 respirations.
BCIT offers tremendous thanks to Jason and all those in the BCIT community and beyond for supporting those most in need during COVID-19. We’re in this together!
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For more information from BCIT about COVID-19, please visit bcit.ca/covid-19
If you have additional questions, please visit the Canada Health FAQ webpage or call the Public Health Agency of Canada COVID-19 telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397.
For all non-health related questions related to COVID-19, please call, 1-888-COVID19. This line is established by the Province of British Columbia and covers everything from travel recommendations to physical distancing. This line is open daily from 7:30 am to 8 pm. Information is available in more than 110 languages. Alternatively, text 604-630-0300 for more information.