The FBI submitted the “pandemic preparedness” supply order Feb. 14, and supplies are to be delivered by Feb. 21. The purchase order includes face masks from 3M and disinfectants, including hand sanitizer, from PDI Healthcare.
The FBI said PDI’s hand sanitizer and wipes were necessary because they kill “54 different microorganisms within 1 minute.” The bureau said the urgency of the request required direct purchase from manufacturers, instead of retailers.
The supplies “are to be stored throughout the country for distribution in the event of a declared pandemic,” the document said, according to CNBC.
As of Feb. 19, there are 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.
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