(The Coverall Shop)

By Sheldon Spackman

Stopping The Spread

The Coverall Shop develops antimicrobial face mask to help stop virus spread

May 6, 2020 | 6:15 PM

A local Red Deer business has developed a new face mask in hopes of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

The Coverall Shop has launched online sales for a new BioSmart® antimicrobial face mask.

President Jeremy Jablonski says once the pandemic began, they realized people may require masks in order to help stop the spread.

“We got to work researching available fabrics that provided a component of safety beyond what other general purpose, cloth masks could provide,” explains Jablonski. “We landed on Milliken BioSmart® Fabric Technology, which happens to come from the same supplier as most of the fabrics we supply our clients on the flame resistant clothing side of our business.”

It was at that point, says Jablonski, they felt they could make a difference and decided they could re-purpose many of their staff, as well as their sewing equipment in Red Deer, to become a manufacturer.

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“We hadn’t manufactured anything up until this point,” adds Jablonski. “The bulk of our sewing and embroidery work is for altering and decorating work wear, uniforms, and corporate apparel.”

Jablonski says it’s important to note that the masks, which retail for $13.95, are not a replacement for surgical grade or N95 masks.

“The masks are made from two layers of poly-cotton fabric, featuring the Milliken BioSmart® Fabric Technology,” he remarks. “They are reusable and need to be washed with hypochlorite based (chlorine) bleach to re-charge the antimicrobial properties. We are providing the initial cleaning and charging of the antimicrobial properties before each mask is packaged in a re-sealable bag, which has all required information for care and use on the label.”

By following all care instructions provided online, and directions to which are clearly marked on the label, Jablonski says users will have a sanitary mask to wear when going about their daily activities, and help stop the spread by reducing particles and droplets in the air.

“The antimicrobial properties can be reinvigorated up to 75 times by following the care instructions,” says Jablonski. “The real advantage of our masks is that if maintained properly, they won’t become a bacterial cesspool that you are wearing next to your face, which could lead to other issues.”

With the impacts of COVID-19, and a significant drop in oil prices of late, Jablonski says they had to lay off four staff at the start of the outbreak.

“However, we have been able to keep all remaining staff employed so far,” he exclaims. “Many of our remaining staff have shifted to our mask manufacturing efforts in order to meet the demand. This has been a major pivot for all of us and it remains our primary focus at the moment.”

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary on May 1, Jablonski notes however, plans are underway to make some longer term adjustments to The Coverall Shop’s business, post COVID-19, including the launch of a refreshed logo which will be rolling out incrementally.

“It’s been an extremely busy time,” says Jablonski. “If anyone is in need, be it an individual or a charity or similar, we are here to help. We have been a trusted community partner for many years, and want to ensure we get masks to anyone who needs them regardless of ability to pay.”

Jablonski says The Coverall Shop has donated a number of masks to date and is open to any inquiries. To find out more, visit www.thecoverallshop.ca.