Trump says FEMA is distributing millions of masks

(CNN) https://livestream.com/accounts/25723746/events/8522569/videos/203430859 President Trump said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is distributing millions of masks and that personal protective equipment for medical professionals is being shipped to what he described as “hotspots” around the country.

Trump said FEMA will distribute 8 million N95 masks, the type recommended for protection against coronavirus. 

He said 73 pallets of personal protective equipment will be shipped to New York, and 36 pallets will be sent to Washington state – two areas where Covid-19 has hit particularly hard. 

“We’re having millions and millions of masks made as we speak,” Trump said at the coronavirus task force briefing.

Trump said the badly-needed supplies will go to “medical hotspots” around the country. Healthcare workers around the US have warned of looming supply shortages if the outbreak escalates.

“Across the nation we are seeing an outpouring of creativity and innovative ideas,” Trump said. “The scientific community and members of the private sector are really working together.”