Many of the protective face masks used in the U.S. are manufactured in the Hubei province in China where the coronavirus outbreak began.
The supply of N95 face masks, which filter out about 95 percent of all airborne particles, are dwindling quickly, as federal protocols state that they be thrown out after a single use. Some hospitals only have a week’s supply on hand, according to the Post.
HHS has said that 60 percent of large pharmacy chains are already unable to meet demand for protective face masks.
The CDC has recommended that providers consider extended use or repeated use of masks, according to the Post.
Domestic manufacturers of protective face masks have ramped up production, but it is unlikely they will be able to keep up with demand, the Post reported. California state officials have ordered 300,000 masks to distribute to hospitals and clinics on an emergency basis.
Read the full article here.
More articles on supply chain:
Ascension GPO leader talks top supply chain issues, how to solve them
Abbott, ResMed, Teleflex announce 3 high-risk device recalls in one day
Coronavirus not linked to Chinese imports, FDA says
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.