Despite President Trump's assurances, the federal stockpile of equipment like ventilators is for local crises and likely can't meet coronavirus demand.
President Trump says the federal government has stockpiled “massive numbers of ventilators” and “tremendous amounts of equipment” to help hospitals respond to a crush of seriously ill coronavirus patients.
Hospitals and clinics nationwide are expected to face shortages of safety equipment and devices needed to treat patients with the coronavirus, which originated in China and causes a potentially deadly respiratory infection that has spread across the globe.States have closed schools, restaurants, bars and gyms, while limiting or banning large gatherings, in the hopes of reducing the contagion and death toll. Yet in the U.S.
, which can filter out 95% of airborne particles. Such masks limit medical workers’ exposure to the virus, which can spread when patients cough or sneeze.Vice President Mike Pence disclosed Wednesday that the stockpile has more than 10,000 ventilators, mechanical devices that have proved critical in keeping alive those with acute respiratory infections.
The department launched the stockpile in 1999 to purchase and store medicine and supplies that had little commercial value but could help mitigate the damage of a biological or nuclear attack. Over time, it set up warehouses across the country to also help with hurricanes or epidemics.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Books Like The Year of Yes That Will Put You in a Good Mood, GuaranteedYou've finally got reading time on your hands. Here are ELLE.com staffers' picks to boost your mood in anxious times.
Read more »
Flashback: Yes Perform 'Long Distance Runaround' in 2004In an alternate universe where the coronavirus hasn’t shut down the entire concert industry, prog rock fans would be getting ready to set sail on the Cruise to the Edge. Instead, check out Yes' final tour in 2004
Read more »
Books Like The Year of Yes That Will Put You in a Good Mood, GuaranteedYou've finally got reading time on your hands. Here are ELLE.com staffers' picks to boost your mood in anxious times.
Read more »
Books Like The Year of Yes That Will Put You in a Good Mood, GuaranteedYou've finally got reading time on your hands. Here are ELLE.com staffers' picks to boost your mood in anxious times.
Read more »
Books Like The Year of Yes That Will Put You in a Good Mood, GuaranteedYou've finally got reading time on your hands. Here are ELLE.com staffers' picks to boost your mood in anxious times.
Read more »
Can coronavirus survive on your Apple Watch or Fitbit? Yes, experts sayPeople often remember to wash their hands, which is one of the best ways to avoid catching coronavirus. But what about smart watches?
Read more »