The Personal Protective Equipment Crisis: To Save or to Build

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge across the United States, the nation is facing critical shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE), which is worn to reduce the transmission of disease. In the context ofthe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), this means preventing the spread of expectorated particles from infected individuals that can be aerosolized or transferred to fomites. Highfidelity PPE items in the setting of COVID-19 might include respirators, face masks and shields, gowns, coveralls, gloves, caps, and protective eyewear. In light of increased global demand and recent interruptions in Chinese exports, the World Health Organization anticipates that PPE production would need to ramp up by nearly 40% to meet anticipated volumes for patients and COVID-19 responders.1 Further, with the United States poised to reopen workplaces, the need for PPE is anticipated to extend well beyond health care settings. We outline strategies to increase the availability of PPE, highlighting a role for staunch governance, multisector involvement, and innovation.