The threat of the coronavirus spreading rapidly in the United States remains low, but concerns may be contributing to a growing shortage of personal protective equipment and other supplies, according to an article on the Patient Safety & Quality website.
The article urged healthcare facilities to keep a close watch on their N95 respirators, which could be walking out the door.
Surgical masks also seem to be disappearing faster than usual, according to Skip Skivington, a vice president with Kaiser Permanente Health System.
While there is no evidence yet that the coronavirus can remain contagious while airborne, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending full airborne protection.