Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer has begun manufacturing parts for ventilators in an effort to support the country’s medical industry as the coronavirus pandemic grips all corners of the globe.

Embraer says on 25 March it has also begun working with a Sao Paolo hospital to provide technical support for air filter systems and air quality control that could turn regular hospital wards into intensive care units. The work is taking place at the company’s headquarters facility in San Jose dos Campos.

“The actions, developed jointly with Embraer’s supply chain, include the manufacturing of parts for the ventilator and respirator industry, the replacement of imported components for ventilators, the development of high-efficiency filtration systems for transforming regular hospital beds into intensive care beds and studies for the development of simple, robust and portable respirators aimed at rapid implementation and availability,” the manufacturer says.

The company adds the filters used in air conditioning systems on aircraft can be modified to be used by clinics and hospitals, helping meet immediate health care needs.

”The global health care system is facing an unprecedented scenario, and Embraer plans to apply its capacity during this moment of global collaboration and demand for effective and short-term solutions,” Embraer says.

According to the Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center, more than 466,000 people have been infected by the virus worldwide, resulting in more than 21,000 deaths in 173 countries. Brazil reports 2,433 cases, with 57 deaths.

Embraer reports fourth quarter 2019 results on 26 March.