Coronavirus USA Update: Mayors report acute shortage of face masks

A nonpartisan survey of U.S. mayors found an overwhelming number said they did not have an adequate supply of face masks for their first responders and medical personnel nor enough coronavirus test kits.

The survey by U.S. Conference of Mayors between last Friday and Tuesday involved 213 cities in 41 states and Puerto Rico, ranging from towns of 2,000 people to 3.8 million.

Among those mayors responding, more than 90% noted the lack face masks and test kits, while 85% said they do not have enough ventilators for their hospitals.

In other categories, 88% said they did not have an adequate supply of personal protect equipment (PPE) other than face masks to protect police, fire, emergency medical responders and medical personnel.

The survey found that the cities cumulatively needed 5 million face masks, 4 million PPE items, 9 million test kits, and 139,000 ventilators.