Pennsylvania’s governor is looking to identify businesses who can pivot to making medical equipment

Pennsylvania’s governor is looking to identify businesses who can pivot to making medical equipment

April 7, 2020

Governor Tom Wolf is calling on companies who can provide COVID-19 supplies to go online. He has announced a new portal for manufacturers to source the most needed supplies for healthcare systems. He spoke on Monday, April 6, during the daily state health update.

“We’ve had challenges purchasing the equipment because there isn’t enough supply to meet demand,” said Wolf.

Wolf, who showed up in a mask after his recent call for all Pennsylvanians to wear one when they leave the house, said he is looking to identify businesses that can pivot to producing medical equipment.

“I’m not sure any Pennsylvania company can produce the ventilators we need as rapidly as we need. But many can produce components of ventilators. Like plastic piping.”

About 30 percent of the state’s ventilators are currently in use. Health officials want to expand the number available ahead of an expected surge in serious coronavirus cases in the coming weeks. 

About 12 percent of patients have been hospitalized with the virus in Pennsylvania and a third of those have required ventilators.