Construction Companies Asked to Donate Masks to Hospitals for COVID-19
Vice President Mike Pence has asked that construction companies donate their excess face masks to hospitals and clinics that may be running out amid the coronavirus crisis this week.
On March 17, the Trump administration urged construction companies to donate construction-grade N95 masks to local hospitals and clinics and forego additional orders since the nation’s hospitals are in desperate need of masks and other equipment for healthcare workers.
“We would make one specific request, and that is we would urge construction companies to donate their inventory of N95 masks to your local hospital and forego additional orders of those industrial masks,” Pence said, adding, “Those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease.”
The public plea follows new legislation from Congress that changes the liability status of masks that are typically used in construction and manufacturing to be allowed for use in hospitals. Again, the reasoning behind this is a widespread shortage in masks and other appropriate PPE for healthcare workers across the nation.
Pence continued, “Because of what the president asked to be included in legislation moving through the Congress today, those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease.”
Pence also announced that the administration “spoke…with the leaders of every broadcast network in American that we’ll soon be unveiling a public service campaign using CDC guidelines."