COVID-19 Supply Chain Update
"Regarding personal protective equipment—surgical gowns, gloves, masks, respirator protective devices, or other medical equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or the spread of infection or illness—the FDA has heard reports of increased market demand and supply challenges for some of these products. However, the FDA is currently not aware of specific widespread shortages of medical devices, but we are aware of reports from CDC and other U.S. partners of increased ordering of a range of human medical products through distributors as some healthcare facilities in the U.S. are preparing for potential needs if the outbreak becomes severe."This is very weird: my understanding is that masks are sold out at standard suppliers and have been for a while (though available at extremely high prices from resellers).  This seems like it is beyond "supply challenges" and into being a "specific widespread shortage"?