The New York Times is reporting that numerous small United States manufacturers of N95 masks are unable to find buyers for all of their masks. Major American retailers are not selling N95 masks to the general public because the CDC still requests that the public not use N95 masks to save supplies for healthcare workers. Meanwhile, healthcare customers are buying masks from their established supply chains, often purchasing less expensive masks made in China.
Several United States manufacturers are considering reducing domestic N95 production as a result. While healthcare workers should absolutely be prioritized for access to N95 supplies, purchase by the public is preferable to production stoppages. This is especially true now that most healthcare workers have been vaccinated.
The New York Times article lists several manufacturers that sell N95 masks directly on their website. They are as follows:
- DemeTECH sells fold style and cup style masks, starting at $75 for 20 masks.
- Prestige Ameritech sells packages of 300 masks for $907.
- PHG Protective Health Gear sells packages of 50 masks for $199.
- United States Mask sells packages of 20 masks for $44.95, with greater quantities sold for lower unit prices. United States Mask was sold out at the time of this writing, but the website stated that additional stock was expected to be for sale tomorrow.
N95 masks provide excellent protection to the wearer from COVID-19. They are one of the most cost effective methods to reduce the spread of the virus. This Atlantic article provides good discussion on the benefits of wearing better masks. This youtube video provides a great explanation of how N95 masks work.
Buying and wearing N95 masks is a good way for members of the public to protect themselves and their communities. It would be a good investment for employers to purchase and provide masks to their employees.
The county should purchase N95 masks for vulnerable workers, such as transit employees and employees of the county jail as well as inmates.
