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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsU.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-idUSKCN20L2S0February 27, 2020
U.S. mulls using sweeping powers to ramp up production of coronavirus protective gear
Ted Hesson, Alexandra Alper
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trumps 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 administrations 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.
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)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?
jls4561
(1,257 posts)Let the scientists speak!
Leghorn21
(13,524 posts)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, LETS GET TO IT, AMERICA!!!
SergeStorms
(19,201 posts)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.
dalton99a
(81,485 posts)SergeStorms
(19,201 posts)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)And nothing will be available at all.
MoonlitKnight
(1,584 posts)Should have already had a huge stockpile. So if we dont, 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)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)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.
KayF
(1,345 posts)have Ivanka's fashion company make the masks.
Lars39
(26,109 posts)figuring out how to make money from it.