Friday, April 3, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE - PPE SHORTAGE IS REAL



COVID-19 UPDATE - PPE SHORTAGE IS REAL

Non-profits, local government, and healthcare facilities throughout the country have been trying to obtain both N95 and surgical-type face masks for the last month to help protect front-line medical workers.  PWORA has been part of that effort and continues working hard to obtain masks and other PPEs for local hospitals.

The lack of PPE in the USA is appalling and it appears to be getting worse not better.  Our friends at Harbor Freight have been doing their part to help fill in the PPE gap.  The lack of PPE is best highlighted by a message they sent out today to PWORA and other parties who have been trying to secure masks.

Here is that message.

On behalf of all of us at Harbor Freight, we want to thank all of the amazing healthcare workers and healthcare organizations who requested donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). The number of requests we received was overwhelming: over 13,000 applications from hospitals and more than 43,000 email recommendations from individuals and organizations. We only wish we had enough PPE for every one of the courageous healthcare workers and first responders caring for our communities under these most difficult circumstances.

The immediate need for PPE is beyond alarming. We hope manufacturers, suppliers and other businesses across the country with the ability to donate PPE will do whatever it takes to help.

Over the last several days, we have shipped more than 44 million pairs of nitrile gloves and hundreds of thousands of masks and face shields to hospitals in over 1,000 communities that our stores serve.

We are deeply grateful for the enormous efforts of the frontline individuals caring for those inflicted with COVID-19, the healthcare workers and caregivers supporting our communities, and for everyone fighting to limit its spread. The days ahead will be challenging, but together we will get through this fight.

With gratitude and best wishes for your health and safety,

Donations
Harbor Freight Tools
26541 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302

PWORA will continue our efforts to secure PPE and also strongly urges our members to follow STAY AT HOME orders from local and state authorities.  This is not a joke.  A growing number of our friends and family in the powersports or recreation industry have gotten the virus and some have passed away.  Please follow the Covid-19 guidelines out of respect for both the living and those who have perished.