COVID-19: Supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

EvergreenHealth is located in Kirkland, Wash., just outside of Seattle and was the first hospital in the country to treat a wave of patients diagnosed with community-spread COVID-19.
A structured framework for emergency department triage created by physicians at an academic medical center contains recommendations for personal protective equipment use as well as guidance on the disposition of patients suspected of having COVID‐19.
A high proportion of COVID-19 infections among U.S. health care personnel appear to go undetected. According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 1 in 20 health care workers sampled in 12 states tested positive for antibodies for COVID-19, and 69% of those with antibodies had never…
Last week, California passed the nation's first law (AB-2537) requiring health care facilities to maintain a 45-day supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). The union-backed bill requires employers to provide health care workers with unexpired PPE upon request.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a letter to health care providers warning of quality issues with surgical gowns manufactured or sold by Laws of Motion PPE. The FDA recommends facilities discontinue use of the gowns while the agency pursues its investigation.
Kaiser Health News reports manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies warned shortages could last for years unless the government intervenes.
Hospitals dealing with COVID-19 surges are looking to lessons from earlier hot spots such as New York to ensure they have adequate beds, staff and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Demand for N95 filtering facemask respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic far exceeds the supply, leading to discussions about how to best decontaminate them for reuse.