FDA takes steps to mitigate supply interruptions of food, medical products
The FDA says it is continually examining the global supply chain to identify any concerns and asses the availability of the products Americans need most. They are partnering with FEMA on supply chain issues, including importation of needed medical products to support the U.S. response. Read more.
FDA, NIH, VA to work with America Makes to distribute, evaluate 3D models
A collective framework between the FDA, NIH, VA and America Makes will look to help hospitals and others furnish components close to the patient or at the point-of-care. The FDA will be working with government and public-private partners to distribute and evaluate 3D designs and models as the demand for critical medical supplies continues to rise. America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, includes member organizations from industry and academia as well as government and non-government agencies. Read more.
Nation’s top epidemiologist warns 200K Americans could die
President Donald Trump has extended the nationwide shutdown of thousands of businesses until April 30. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top epidemiologist, supports the extension of social distancing measures to curtail the U.S. coronavirus epidemic. Dr. Fauci claims between 100,000 and 200,000 Americans could die due to COVID-19. As of Monday, the U.S. death toll was more than 2,500. Read more.
Florida announces checkpoints to screen travelers from Louisiana, New York tri-state area
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said checkpoints will be set up on Interstate 10 for Louisiana travelers entering Florida and on Interstate 95 for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut travelers. Those travelers will be forced to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entry into Florida. Travelers flying to Florida from the New York tri-state area must also self-quarantine for two or face a 60-day jail sentence. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has slammed a Rhode Island executive order penalizing New Yorkers for traveling into Rhode Island, mandating a 14-day self-quarantine, calling it unconstitutional and threatening legal action against the state. Read more.
Seattle area begins to see slowdowns, suggests restrictions are working
The Seattle area, which is where the coronavirus claimed 37 of its first 50 U.S. victims, is seeing evidence that strict containment strategies are beginning to pay off for now. Deaths are not rising as fast as they are in other states. Hospitals have, so far, not been overwhelmed, and preliminary models provided to public officials in Washington state suggest the spread of the virus has slowed in the Seattle area in recent days. Read more.