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dalton99a

(81,485 posts)
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 02:00 AM Feb 2020

U.S. mulls using sweeping powers to ramp up production of coronavirus protective gear

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-usa-production-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-mulls-using-sweeping-powers-to-ramp-up-production-of-coronavirus-protective-gear-idUSKCN20L2S0
February 27, 2020
U.S. mulls using sweeping powers to ramp up production of coronavirus protective gear
Ted Hesson, Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s administration is considering invoking special powers through a law called the Defense Production Act to rapidly expand domestic manufacturing of protective masks and clothing to combat the coronavirus in the United States, two U.S. officials told Reuters.

The use of the law, passed by Congress in 1950 at the outset of the Korean War, would mark an escalation of the administration’s response to the outbreak. The virus first surfaced in China and has since spread to other countries including the United States.

The law grants the president the power to expand industrial production of key materials or products for national security and other reasons. The biggest producers of face masks in the United States include 3M Corp and Honeywell International Inc.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar told lawmakers this week that the United States needs a stockpile of about 300 million N95 face masks - respiratory protective devices - for medical workers to combat the spread of the virus. The United States currently has only a fraction of that number available for immediate use, Azar testified.
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mr_lebowski

(33,643 posts)
1. I guess, what, the Magic of the Free Market isn't reliable enough for them?
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 02:07 AM
Feb 2020

What we need is some Big Time Government Regulation?

Huh ... who'd a thunk it.

BTW, is there any proof those masks are effective against this disease?

Leghorn21

(13,524 posts)
3. According to me, dalton, the US should have already had major MAJOR stockpiles of needed
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 02:13 AM
Feb 2020

epidemic/pandemic supplies, located at secure areas all over the country, BUT this evening I said, well, hey, why not get some factories up and running *NOW* and get these supplies flying out of their doors??

Poor old Wuhan built TWO hospitals in a week or so (!!!), I think the USA can crank out some dadgum desperately-needed medical supplies TOOT SWEET

So yeah, LET’S GET TO IT, AMERICA!!!

SergeStorms

(19,201 posts)
4. I've stock-piled hundreds of N95 respirator masks.....
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 02:42 AM
Feb 2020

over the years. I started after the SARS scare of 2002, and have been adding stock little by little ever since, because I knew we'd need them someday. I've provided each family member with 50 each, and I still have a good stock in reserve.

I checked on Amazon and sellers are scalping the crap out of people, selling 30 of them for $130, and getting it. Most places are out of stock completely. Amazon should step in and stop the price gouging. That's unethical and downright greedy.

SergeStorms

(19,201 posts)
9. I think the big box stores.....
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 06:58 AM
Feb 2020

have limited amounts of size small, which are actually a good fit for children. Even those are running out fast though. COVID-19 has everyone running scared, except for our numbskull president. It's all a Democratic party hoax, you know?

Amishman

(5,557 posts)
10. If Amazon steps in, the scalpers will just pull down the listing
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 07:01 AM
Feb 2020

And nothing will be available at all.

MoonlitKnight

(1,584 posts)
6. It's not like they are perishable
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 03:04 AM
Feb 2020

Should have already had a huge stockpile. So if we don’t, that is what the law is there for. Do it now. Better to be wrong and have too many masks that could be used up later than not have enough. Never mind the people who need them for work. They are also used for painters and others.

And order the freaking test kits!

This is like Katrina. You can see the missteps one after another.

TygrBright

(20,759 posts)
7. ::sigh:: Of course. One of the least effective strategies... ::facepalm::
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 03:14 AM
Feb 2020

Yes, we'll need more supplies. I'm not saying ramping up production is a BAD idea, it isn't.

But if it's their ONLY idea, we're still pretty screwn.

wearily,
Bright

BigmanPigman

(51,590 posts)
8. Masks are practically worthless and lead to overconfidence.
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 04:21 AM
Feb 2020

Their main function is to keep an infected person who has symptoms from spreading it to others. It barely protects a wearer from getting infected. Wash your hands for at least 30 with hot, soapy water and NEVER touch your face. That is what works best and is free and available to everyone.

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