Coronavirus Questions Answered: PPE Shortage

What are your questions about the coronavirus?

ideastream is answering as many questions as possible, with help from local experts in a range of fields. You can  send us your questions with our online form, through our  social media  pages and  group or call us at 216-916-6476. We'll  keep the answers coming on our website and on the air.

Jamie from Cleveland asked: My daughter works for Cuyahoga County social services and they are not issued mask or gloves when they have to go out and do home checks. Why not?

Governor Mike DeWine addressed the issue in his press conference last Wednesday.

DeWine said he’s aware that many Ohioans who need personal protective equipment, or PPE, don’t have access to it.

The state is trying to buy masks, but with a worldwide shortage, recycling and sterilizing masks through Ohio-based company Battelle remains one of the best options.

“We’re a long way away from giving a mask to everyone who needs it,” DeWine said.

DeWine encouraged anyone who uses masks to send them to Battelle, which can sterilize masks so they can be re-used up to 20 times.

Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish has also addressed the need for more PPE, saying he’d like to see those in the social services be able to wear it while making house calls, but currently there isn’t enough.