N.W.T. lab now producing hand sanitizer for front-line government workers

An environmental analytical lab in the Northwest Territories is making hand sanitizer for government workers that are interacting with the public.

According to a news release Friday, Taiga Environmental Laboratory (Taiga Lab) which is part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has received authorization from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer as well as Health Canada.

There is a global shortage of hand sanitizer, including in the North.

The release says front-line workers includethoseatairports, as well as enforcement and wildlife officersand health-care workers.

"Our experts at Taiga Lab are happy to be able to support them by providing a reliable supply of hand sanitizer to help keep their hands clean and reduce the spread of COVID-19," said Environment Minister Shane Thompsonin the release.

"We are all in this together, and we all have a role to play in protecting our families, our elders and our communities."

So far,Taiga Labhas produced more than 1,700 litres of hand sanitizer for these workers, the release states.

The lab is capable of producing 300 litres of hand sanitizer a day, but the release notes the global shortage and how even things like pump bottles are hard to come by.

Companies across the North have been stepping up to help meet the demand for hand sanitizer.

In the Northwest Territories,Yellowknife-based 62 Degrees North, which provides medical services and supplies to northern communities and camps, has been making hand sanitizer to hopefully supplyhospitals.