The Trump administration has approved the first system for sterilizing specialized face masks — but the decision drew a quick rebuke from Ohio’s Republican governor
The Trump administration has approved the first system for sterilizing specialized face masks worn by front-line health workers battling the coronavirus, potentially easing the severe shortage of the protective gear. But the decision drew a quick rebuke from Ohio’s Republican governor, who criticized the FDA for approving limited use of the decontamination system.
At issue is the FDA’s decision to allow emergency use of a Battelle system that decontaminates specialized N95 face masks, allowing doctors and nurses to safely reuse them. The FDA approved Battelle’s Columbus headquarters to sterilize 10,000 masks per day, even though the company says its machines have the capacity to"The FDA's decision to severely limit the use of this life-saving technology is nothing short of reckless," Gov.
DeWine said he appealed directly to President Donald Trump to allow broader adoption of the system, and Ohio's attorney generalTrump on Twitter later said the FDA “can approve Mask Sterilization equipment ASAP,” though the agency had already taken that step. An FDA spokesperson did not address POLITICO's question about whether Battelle had originally sought more expansive approval of its sterilizing process, though the company's CEO said it could handle more. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn on Sunday afternoon pledged the agency was working with the company on scaling up.CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWConfirmed U.S. Cases:
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