Coronavirus: US Government Agency Spends Nearly $500K On Hazmat Suits
The Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), a US government agency, has allocated $449,000 for hazmat suits in response to the coronavirus outbreak, per TMZ.
The federal organization states that its mission is to save lives and protect Americans from 21st century health security threats — in this case the COVID-19 disease that’s already plagued, Washington State, New York, California and more.
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Furthermore, the site revealed that the ASPR filed a $393,000 order with Grainger Industrial Supply, who sells the protective gear from $10 to $4,000 an item, and another order for $56,000 with McKesson Medical-Surgical.
While the ASPR is currently stockpiling the coveralls, the publication notes that the office is most-known for purchasing relief measures like porta-potties, hand-washing stations, custodial services and public transportation.
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Additionally, the government agency has reportedly spent over $3.8 million on relief of the virus since February 11; while other government offices, like the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, dropped nearly $212,000.
Also, the CDC, who’s being sued over the virus in San Antonio, TX, spent about $116,000 for lab supplies, themselves.