The US spends $133 million to produce N95 masks for medical staff.
The US will spend $133 million to produce N95 masks for medical workers and those on the front lines of the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic.
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| Medical staff wear N95 masks and protective equipment to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 in New York, USA. Photo: AFP/TTXVN |
The US will spend $133 million in contracts using funds authorized under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to produce N95 masks for medical staff and those on the front lines of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Andrews, a spokesman for the US Department of Defense, said on April 11.
"The increased production of N95 masks will ensure the US Government has deep and long-term industrial capacity. Further details, including the names of the companies, will be provided in the coming days as contracts are approved," Lt. Col. Andrews said in a statement.
The budget marks the first use of the DPA, which allows targeted investment in critical capabilities.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Andrews, the goods will be delivered within the next 90 days.