The Canadian government is investing $2 billion dollars in much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers across the country.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a press conference today that the federal government will be investing the funds to procure medical supplies for those fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our government is also allocating $2 billion dollars to purchase personal protective equipment, including for bulk purchases with provinces and territories," said Trudeau.

"This includes things like more masks and face shields, gowns ventilators, test kits, swabs and hand sanitizer." 

The supplies are set to be delivered to frontline workers within the coming days; critical items that healthcare workers say they're in short supply of.

Public Services Minister Anita Anand provides update on personal protective equipment purchasing program, says 157M surgical masks acquired, 60M N-95 masks ordered with delivery to begin this week. 1,570 ventilators on order; government seeking to purchase another 4,000 or more.

— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) March 31, 2020

Trudeau said he's heard from 3,000 manufacturers willing to help produce the supplies. He said that several contracts have been signed that will help with the production of medical supplies like surgical masks, ventilators and test kits and that more are expected.

Some manufactures have already pivoted to creating personal protective equipment and medical supplies like face shields, gowns and hand sanitizer.

The federal government is set to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada to purchase the supplies and equipment and plans to invest an additional $500 million in the next fiscal year.