The shortage of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in the medical field during the coronavirus pandemic has become a major issue as the nation hustles to contain the virus.
In the interim, it’s all hands on deck and no assistance is being turned away. The New York Giants are one of many entities from the private sector chipping in to close the gap on the growing shortage of medical supplies and equipment.
“Facing a shortage of medical gowns at local hospitals, city officials said Tuesday that have recruited more than 20 private businesses and other entities to help,” Rich Calder reported in the New York Post on Wednesday.
“The New York Giants, Macy’s and New York University are among those who’ve donated 142,000 ponchos normally used at outdoor sporting events to the city so they can used as makeshift safety gear by doctors and other healthcare staff combating the coronavirus pandemic…and another 140,000 are on their way.”
Ponchos are being used in lieu of surgical gowns, which is an upgrade from what many hospitals had been using when faced with a shortfall. Many New York area facilities had been resorting to using trash bags and other plastic coverings as protection from the virus.
“We are facing unprecedented supply chain issues on a global level and doing everything we can to ensure the protection of our workers on the frontlines,” said Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio. “That includes looking for alternatives in a time of crisis. We don’t let up until we have what we need to keep our health care workers safe.”
