President Trump yesterday signed an Executive Order cracking down on the hoarding of health and medical supplies in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. The order also prohibits price gouging of needed medical supplies. As Attorney General Barr said yesterday, this isn't about families who have a large amount of toilet paper stored in their homes -- this is to prevent bad actors from sitting on warehouses of goods like surgical masks needed in a national emergency.
The President also announced yesterday that FEMA is distributing 8 million N95 masks and 13.3 million surgical masks across the country, focusing on the areas with the greatest need. FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor said today that the Administration will be using the emergency authority provided under the Defense Production Act to secure about 60,000 additional needed coronavirus test kits, as well.
A lot of families have questions about COVID-19 and food safety, and how they can shop safely at grocery stores. NC State Extension has a useful flyer with tips on how you can go to grocery stores safelywhile minimizing your own risk and the risk to your fellow shoppers. I've included the flyer below.
North Carolinians can sign up for updates by texting COVIDNC to 898211. You can also always receive assistance with outbreak-related inquiries by dialing 2-1-1.
