The current pandemic continues to wreak havoc across all industries and is extremely affecting global supply chains and economies. For one, concerns in the transport and shipping industries are continuously mounting that governments are calling for urgent action in the delivery of essential goods particularly medical equipment and medicines.

In the country, President Biden has already signed an executive order for a 100-day review of potential vulnerabilities in American supply chains including those in the pharmaceutical and personal protective equipment (PPE) industries. Medical equipment such as medical-grade face masks and N95 or KN95 respirators are still low in supply prompting lawmakers to call for adjustments in trade policy and manufacturing priorities to ensure security among American workers and the safety of healthcare workers in the country.

One New York Times article reported hundreds of American manufacturers have redefined supply chain objectives to meet needs in the fight against the coronavirus despite having no concrete collaboration with the previous federal government. The article exposed the lack of readiness for critical medical supplies such as N95 and KN95 respirators, face shields, and ventilators due to low production capacities and the tendency to rely on importation.   

With the Biden Administration invoking the Defense Production Act, more American-made N95 and KN95 respirators, face shields, ventilators, and PPEs among others are expected to create an influx in the coming months.

American PPE manufacturers such as 3M, Honeywell, and The American Mask Company are pushing to produce more KN95 respirators into the market to meet both demands in the healthcare sector and soon for public use in lieu of lower-grade surgical and cloth masks, with the latter pushing for certifications for its N95 respirator models. 

To date, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has only approved certified N95 respirators for medical use while the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has several KN95 respirator manufacturers. Both types of respirators provide at least a 95% level of protection from aerosol particles including COVID-19 airborne particles that linger in the air for hours.   
Learn how you can order American-made and certified KN95 respirators for work at home by visiting The USA Mask Company.