The Washington Post reports that there are almost 1.5 million N95 respirator masks that have not been shipped out to hospitals and medical professionals because their expiration date has passed.
It is said that the masks belong to Customs and Border Protection’s emergency stock. Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security decided to give the masks to the Transportation Security Administration.
However, the paper reports that despite the dire need for them to be used at hospitals and medical centers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will not receive them.
Well… what’s the problem?
The makers of the masks have said that because of its expiration, the elastic bands might break and not keep it flushed or sealed on one’s face and not be as effective. But… the CDC has released that you can use the expired N95 masks, as long as you follow particular guidelines previously laid out.
While the supplies are limited, the government might want to change this decision.
On Wednesday, President Trump promised that FEMA was shipping 9.4 million N95 respirators and 20 million surgical masks to hospitals throughout the nation.
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