Coronavirus CT: Hospital Faces Dire Shortage Of Face Masks

WATERBURY, CT — Saint Mary's Hospital is requiring doctors to reuse surgical masks for three days while caring for patients with the coronavirus infection, according to The Republican-American. N95 masks, instead of surgical masks, are preferred for treating patients with respiratory disease; reusing masks also increases the chance of spreading the virus.

However, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has relaxed requirements in light of severe shortages of adequate equipment, allowing for extended use of masks.

A doctor at St. Mary's has called the hospital's new policy “obscene and unconscionable,” The Republican-American reported, saying that it puts those on the front lines in the fight against the virus directly in harm's way.

The number of coronavirus cases in the state stands at 618, an increase of 203 cases in a 24-hour span. Twelve people have died of the virus across the state.

Gov. Ned Lamont has requested donations of personal protective equipment, and donations of N95 masks have been received recently. Connecticut legislators have also urged the federal government to supply more masks due to the chronic shortages.