Hospitals across the state are running low on Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for its workers due to COVID-19.
According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, more than half of the state’s hospitals have less than a seven day supply of goggles, face shields, and gowns. A third of hospitals have less than a week’s amount of N95 masks, paper medical masks, and face shields.
“We are exploring ways to reuse, to extend the life of, to sanitize, to do things that would extend the life of and increase the supply of PPE. It’s not ideal. It’s not best practice. It’s not standard of care, but we do have a shortage of PPE here in Wisconsin,” said Andrea Palm, Wisconsin Health Services Secretary.
Wisconsin has already received shipment of PPE from the national stockpile but still needs more. Milwaukee, facing the largest outbreak in Wisconsin, is especially short on PPE.