GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Spectrum Health is starting to use innovative disinfection procedures -- such as heat and ultraviolet light -- so medical staff can reuse masks and goggles during the coronavirus crisis.

Spectrum officials announced the new methods Saturday, April 4 as a way to help conserve personal protective equipment (PPE).

Across the nation, N95 masks, gloves, goggles and face shields are in short supply because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The disinfection procedures being employed involve using aerosolized hydrogen peroxide and heat on N95 masks between shifts. Goggles, face shields and other hard surface items will be sanitized using ultraviolet light.

The use of hydrogen peroxide disinfection began Wednesday and specialized ovens are expected to be in use in the next few days.

Related: University of Michigan, Michigan State University leading efforts to decontaminate N95 masks for reuse

“By implementing these processes, Spectrum Health hopes to preserve its supply of PPE tenfold given national shortages,” Spectrum officials said in a written statement.

“We know we have to help support our clinicians, keeping them safe, so they can care for our patients and our community during this pandemic,” said Kurt Knoth, Spectrum’s vice president of supply chain.

“We formed incredible innovative partnerships, both internally and externally, to help achieve this goal.”

Gentex, an Ottawa County automotive supplier, donated four ovens to be used for heat disinfection.

Spectrum Health still is accepting donated medical supplies and anyone with products can fine drop-off locations here.

For more statewide data, visit MLive’s coronavirus data page, here.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

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