PPE

A worker inspects disposable gloves at a factory in Malaysia, a country that has been the top supplier of medical gloves to the U. S. and which is facing increasing competition from China.

More medical gloves are coming from China, as U.S. makers of protective gear struggle

5:15am November 03, 2023

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The federal government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to boost American production of medical gloves, but some companies say it's not enough when imported gloves have gotten cheaper.

Queue Listen Now

Raymond Portelli, priest and doctor, in his office in the San Martin de Porres church in Iquitos, Peru. In the early days of the pandemic, he says he wasn't too worried about this new coronavirus. But his early optimism would quickly evaporate.

Health & Safety

Peru has the world's highest COVID death rate. Here's why

11:48am November 27, 2021

by Jason Beaubien

An isolated city on the Amazon illustrates why Peru has the highest COVID death rate in the world. One infectious disease expert called the country's awful record the result of a "perfect storm."

Health & Safety

Wake Forest Baptist Health Helping To Design Reusable PPE For Health Workers

10:50am May 03, 2021

by Neal Charnoff

Wake Forest Baptist Health is taking part in a study to develop better-fitting reusable face coverings for health care workers.

Business

Hanesbrands Announces Growth Strategy, Reports Fourth Quarter Loss

7:06pm February 09, 2021

by Paul Garber

Winston-Salem-based Hanesbrands has unveiled a new strategy for growth, and pandemic protective gear is not part of the plan.

Politics & Government

U.S. Rep. Manning Says Triad Could Benefit From 'Buy American' Order

5:33pm January 25, 2021

by Associated Press and Paul Garber

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Monday to boost government buying from U.S.

People line up to be tested for the coronavirus at a free testing site Wednesday, Nov. 18 in Seattle.

Rural Health Systems Challenged By COVID-19 Surge

7:01am December 12, 2020

by Anna King

Medical services in small Northwest towns are stretched to the limit with shortages of qualified workers and PPE, CARES Act funds running out and hospitals at or near capacity.

An ambulance pulls up as nurses outside a triage tent for the Emergency Department at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle put on gowns and other protective gear at the start of their shift, on April 2, 2020. A resurgence of the coronavirus has health

National

'We're All Tired Of This': Health Care Workers In Seattle Prepare For Another Surge

8:30am December 03, 2020

by Will Stone

Harborview Medical Center faced the country's initial swell of coronavirus cases. Now, health care workers there are offering advice to people facing the latest surge in COVID-19 patients.

Queue Listen Now

Education

Guilford Schools App Provides Reporting System For PPE Concerns

5:16pm November 12, 2020

by Keri Brown

Guilford County Schools is encouraging the use of a tool to help address personal protective equipment concerns as more students are heading back to classrooms this month.

Earlier this year, Monster City Studios, a company that normally makes amusement park and movie props, pivoted to manufacturing MCS face shields with forehead protection. It was one of many small companies to make the switch.

Why Can't America Make Enough N95 Masks? 6 Months Into Pandemic, Shortages Persist

8:25am September 17, 2020

by Joel Rose

There's just not enough PPE to satisfy demand. Medics are re-using masks and small practices can't even find supplies they can afford. Some domestic manufacturers could help, but it's a risky move.

Queue Listen Now

Before massive wildfires broke out in California, farmworkers already had to take extra precautions for COVID-19. Now they must worry about dangerous air from wildfires. In this photo, farmworkers arrive early in the morning to begin harvesting on April 2

Wildfires Make Dangerous Air For Farmworkers: 'It's Like You Can't Breathe'

10:38am September 15, 2020

by James Doubek

As fires ravage California, farmworkers are dealing with dangerous air in incredible heat. Hernan Hernandez of the California Farmworker Foundation says there's "nowhere near" enough protective gear.

Queue Listen Now