US government to buy excess coronavirus masks

In an effort to encourage production, the federal government has pledged to buy all excess face masks and respirators.

Manufacturers have struggled to keep up as the coronavirus epidemic scares up sales.

The U.S. government signed on to purchase excess face masks and respirators over the next 18 months.

“This purchase will encourage manufacturers to ramp up production of the personal protective equipment now with the guarantee that they will not be left with excess supplies if private sector orders are cancelled once the Covid-19 response subsides,” said Stephanie Bialek, an official at the Department of Health and Human Services.

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