N95 shortfalls remain as scarcity of key material squeezes medical mask manufacturing

White House officials say the United States has all the medical supplies needed to battle COVID-19, but health care workers, hospital officials and even the FDA say that's not the case.

Shortfalls of medical N95 respirators — commonly referred to as N95 masks — and other protective gear started in March, when the pandemic hit New York.

The American Medical Association's president, Dr. Susan Bailey, says the tremendous pressure on the supply chain continues today.

Mask makers say part of the problem is the Trump administration hasn't committed enough long-term resources to making meltblown textile — the key ingredient in medical-grade masks.

Source: ktla.com