As we continue with the import and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies into the United States, we see trends, research, and other helpful information we’d like to pass along to our communities and clients as they make purchasing decisions.
Here are our latest updates on the state of PPE for August 2020.
Idaho Goes Back to School
Around the nation and in many Idaho school districts, students are beginning the fall semester — although classes look a bit different than in years past. Some schools are re-opening for in-person instruction, others are beginning the year fully online, and still others are adopting a hybrid model. To strengthen reopening efforts, the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee approved $50 million for COVID-19 testing in Idaho and PPE for public schools. Many states continue seeking PPE for these purposes, as well.
Read more:
How Schools Can Prepare to Open Safely Every State’s Plan for Reopening Schools This Fall Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic State Board of Education: Idaho Back to School Framework 2020 Idaho Committee Approves $50 Million to Fund Coronavirus Supplies, Testing for Schools Reopening
Advancements in Science and Technology
Organizations continue to prioritize advancements in technology that can improve the efficacy and convenience of PPE. For example, reusable, air-filtering CX9 and X7 masks have been launched. Additionally, a vaccine has been fast-tracked in Russia, although it has not yet been heavily tested. Trials are to move forward with 40,000 people next week. The World Health Organization (WHO) is in talks with the country to obtain more information.
Read more:
CX9 Customizable Smart Mask Filters Bacteria Out of the Air You Breathe Duvaltex Launches Highly Innovative Protective Face Mask Here’s What We Know About Russia’s Unverified Coronavirus Global Report: WHO in Talks with Russia Over Covid-19 Vaccine
What to do With Used PPE?
As significant amounts of PPE are ordered, used, and discarded, there are growing concerns about the negative impacts of this waste. Not only can used PPE pose a contamination risk to others, it presents a danger to the environment, especially when improperly disposed of. Tackling this waste may prove to be a long-term battle. Additionally, a promising new (peer-reviewed) COVID-19 study shows disposed PPE could be turned into renewable liquid fuels.
Read more:
Another Casualty of the Pandemic: We’re ‘Drowning’ in Single-Use Plastics Again Portable UV Disinfection Chambers Could Help Address PPE Shortage EPA Stresses the Importance of Recycling and Proper Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment Disposed PPE Could Be Turned into Biofuel, Shows New COVID-19 Study