Local: Coronavirus fears put pressure on Minnesota-based face mask suppliers

Global fears of the 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) have led to worldwide shortages of surgical masks and N95 respirators. In China, where the outbreak began in late December, face masks are out of stock on several e-commerce platforms, people are waiting in line for hours to purchase masks from pharmacies, and some pharmacies are limiting how many masks people can buy. Several Amazon suppliers are upselling face masks in response to increased demand, providing sweeping, unproven claims that their antiviral masks provide adequate protection.

A National Community Pharmacists Association survey revealed last week that 96% of local pharmacies in the United States are experiencing surgical mask shortages. Medical supply manufacturers around the world have ramped up production in response to the increased global demand, including Minnesota-based companies like 3M and Ecolab.

A January 28 statement from 3M said, “3M is committed to supporting the public health and governmental response to the coronavirus while maintaining supply to existing customers.” Regarding unethical price hikes, 3M said, “3M has not changed the prices we charge for 3M respirators as a result of the outbreak; however, we cannot control the prices other dealers or retailers charge for 3M respirators.”

Despite the fears and global shortage of these supplies, health agencies frequently reiterate that simple hand washing can provide more protection for the general public than either surgical face masks or N95 respirators, especially because many details about the virus’s transmission are still unknown. Surgical masks provide a physical barrier against liquid splashes or sprays, but will not filter out small airborne particles. N95 respirators are recommended for health care workers who have undergone a fit test. N95s fit securely around the nose and mouth and block most small airborne particles. 

CNN
National Public Radio
Star Tribune

National: U.S. health officials to general public: seasonal flu is the deadly viral disease to watch

As the world watches the growing health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, fears of a new, devastating pandemic are understandable. But U.S. health officials want the general public to remember that a more familiar virus has had much more devastating consequences across the country than the twelve COVID-19 U.S. cases have. Annual epidemics commonly referred to as “seasonal flu” cause widespread illness this time of year, and health officials project the 2019-2020 flu season to be the worst in a decade.

Since the influenza (“flu”) season began on September 29, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that there have been at least 22 million illnesses, 10 million medical visits, 210,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths, including 78 children. Because influenza is not a reportable disease, the actual numbers of ill people or flu-related deaths could be far higher. CDC reports that flu activity is high and widespread in nearly every region of the U.S. It is expected to remain high for weeks.

This year, influenza A and influenza B are equally problematic. Influenza A is commonly reported among groups aged 25-64 and 65 or older. Influenza B is commonly reported among infants, children, and people up to age 24. Officials warn that the virus can cause serious complications and death, despite the fact that it is common. Health officials also say that taking individual prevention measures is especially important in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many medical supplies and medications are manufactured in China and hospital resources are already stretched with this year’s severe flu outbreak.

New York Times
CNN
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

International: Novel coronavirus death toll surpasses SARS

Mainland China’s death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak rose to 1,018 on Tuesday, surpassing the 2002-2003 SARS-CoV pandemic which killed 774 people and sickened 8,098.

The number of reported new cases in the current outbreak decreased over the weekend, but officials say that it is too early to know whether the epidemic has peaked. They expect there are many unreported cases. The outbreak has infected over 43,000 people in 27 countries or territories. The majority of these cases are in mainland China with more than 31,000 in Hubei province alone.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) strategic objectives for the COVID-19 response involve using public health measures to rapidly identify, diagnose, and manage cases and identify and follow up with contacts of infected individuals. WHO also aims to prevent and control infection in health care settings, implement health measures for people traveling outside of China, communicate risk, and minimize the social and economic impact of the outbreak.

WHO and CDC have also provided general recommendations for the public:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after direct contact with people who are ill.
• Avoid close contact with ill people.
• Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
• Practice cough etiquette and wash hands frequently if you are showing symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

MPR News
Reuters
CNN
World Health Organization