Apparently we need a big time mask subsidy. And a time machine. Excellent article here regarding the problems with ramping up mask production:
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/16/814929294/covid-19-has-caused-a-shortage-of-face-masks-but-theyre-surprisingly-hard-to-mak
I am stunned that the die drilling is not done by laser.
Even with all the problems cited in the article, I have to believe that Asian countries are way ahead of us on the production volume of masks, because for as long as I can recall, many Asians in polluted cities wore masks. Granted that China's production of N95 masks (only 600,000 per day, and some of questionable quality) is not very impressive.
Whatever the hell it takes, we need to solve this problem yesterday.
Could explain why VP is now asking construction companies to donate N95s.
Scary, considering we were told there would be MILLIONS of masks delivered, to HC facilites, this week.
:-(