21 May 2020 - - US-based aerospace and medical equipment manufacturer A and R Tarpaulins Inc's AR Tech division has received emergency approval for the use of its Patient Isolation Transportation Unit by the Food and Drug Administration, the company said.

PITU is designed to temporarily isolate and transport patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.

Arrowhead Medical Center Head of Anesthesiology, Dr. Mark Comunale, worked on developing the unit in 2015 after the outbreak of Ebola. AR Tech joined Dr. Comunale's efforts two years ago.

Currently, PITU is ready for use with FDA Emergency Use Authorization on the frontline in the battle against the novel Coronavirus.

PITU protects medical professionals, patients, and visiting family members against respiratory droplets and infection by using a negative pressure enclosure which surrounds the patient.

Patients can be treated by medical staff, and family members who are properly attired can even visit those patients.

A and R Tarpaulins Inc. is the parent company of AR Tech and AR Industries and provides products and services for medical companies, flight hardware, and ground support to various aerospace companies providing satellite launches.

A and R Tarpaulins also provides architectural products and services for homes and businesses, and industrial products for the transportation industry.