‘STOP BUYING MASKS’: US Surgeon General and VP say masks won’t help fight coronavirus, as demand for emergency supplies increases – By Connor Perrett (Business Insider) / Feb 29 2020
- Vice President Mike Pence, now the head of the US coronavirus task force, said on Saturday that the “average American” does not need to “go out and buy” a mask to protect themselves from coronavirus.
- Pence also said the US is working with 3M and other manufacturers to produce at least 35 million more masks per month.
- Photos and reports have shown masks and other supplies flying off the shelves as Americans grapple with the possibility of an outbreak in the US.
- The US surgeon general told people in a tweet to stop buying masks, calling them “NOT effective.”
Vice President Mike Pence said at a press conference Saturday that there is no need for people in the US to buy and wear masks to protect themselves from the new coronavirus.
The announcement came after the US confirmed its first coronavirus death — a person in Washington state. At the press conference, Trump, Pence, and other administration officials spoke about the coronavirus threat.
“The president mentioned masks,” Pence said. “This morning we talked a great deal about additional medical supplies. Let me be very clear, and I’m sure the physicians who are up here will reflect this as well: The average American does not need to go out and buy a mask.”
The president announced at a press conference at the White House on Wednesday that the vice president will in charge of the nation’s coronavirus strategy. The federal government has faced criticism over its response to the virus as it continues to spread around the globe.
The US has access to 43 million medical masks, President Trump said, just one of the resources that he credited with ensuring the country is “prepared for whatever circumstance.”
Continue to article: https://www.businessinsider.com/americans-dont-need-masks-pence-says-as-demand-increases-2020-2
