Construction companies are being asked to send their N95 face masks to local hospitals as the U.S. works to supply health centers overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, made this request during a White House briefing Tuesday. He also asked companies to forgo making new orders.
The masks, used by construction workers where there is a lot of dust, are so named because they are able to block out at least 95% of 0.3 micron particles. The World Health Organization doesn’t recommend their use for most people, but panic purchases have reduced the supply for those who now could benefit from their use.
