The coronavirus pandemic may be the most serious global health crisis in history. Governments around the world are scrambling to support ailing citizens, struggling economies, and shrinking medical supplies. While the United States is normally in a position of power, at times, we have struggled to find our footing during this crisis, unable to produce key materials to combat the coronavirus, including ventilators and urgently needed personal protective equipment. But at least elected officials are talking about those items. One preventative measure that is not getting enough attention or support in Washington is simple hand sanitizer, which can prevent the transmission of germs. Something health experts agree will make the public safer and healthier.
Last week, Congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus package designed to help the economy and spark the production of virus-fighting products. Surprisingly, investments in ramping up the production of the hand soaps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using are not a part of that package, even though they are crucial in putting a stop to the virus.
As Congress looks to arm the country to properly defend itself in what President Trump has called a war, it is necessary that hand hygiene products are at the top of the priority list. As the outbreak of the coronavirus takes hold of our nation, our critical medical infrastructure is nearly empty. Like many times throughout history, it is crucial that the private sector steps in, with the support of the government, to meet the gaps in production.
The U.S. stock of ventilators is shockingly low. On Wednesday, Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his state will need 37,000 ventilator beds, while currently, it only has 3,000. The shortage of personal protective equipment is simply described as “dire” at this point.
The sweeping shortage of consumer-ready hand sanitizer, cleaning materials, and disinfectant products is so scarce that people are going to jail for price-gouging the limited supply.
Recognizing this unparalleled threat to our nation from a national security perspective, Trump has utilized a number of tools for combating the crisis, including direct payments to U.S. citizens, grants and loans to businesses, and even the Defense Production Act, which gives the president broad authorities to order domestic manufacturing industries to produce items that the nation needs in a time of crisis.
Trump has taken the lead on encouraging manufacturers to shift from the production of cars and other items to ventilators. He should also ensure that we do not see further shortages of the sanitizers that consumers cannot find on store shelves, as front line healthcare workers and first responders are prioritized for distribution.
In light of shortages, many private alcohol and spirits distillers have stepped up to offer their own variety. While their efforts are admirable, these smaller distillers simply do not have the production capability to meet the national demand, and in many cases, their products do not meet Food and Drug Administration standards.
The major players in the hand sanitizing industry are accustomed to mass production nationwide, but they are currently producing as much as they are able without government help, leading to scary realities for when the situation becomes even more dire.
Procter & Gamble, a leading maker of in-home cleaning products, has launched a new line of antibacterial cleaners, called Microban 24, amid growing alarm over the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. GOJO, the maker of Purell, is operating at 24/7 capacity to meet demand, with employees working overtime and adding shifts to increase production.
The bottom line is that hand hygiene, cleaning, and disinfectant supplies are a critical resource in the effort to combat the COVID-19 virus. Ventilators, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies are invaluable in this fight, but they are only half the artillery. We simply cannot afford to lose ground by inadequately producing and supplying hygiene and disinfectant products, to both stop the spread of the virus and keep this from happening again in the future.
Without hand sanitizer to stop the spread and keep our hands and faces free of the virus, we have no hope of defending ourselves against it or any other illness that we meet in the future. Our leaders in Washington must emphasize hand hygiene as critical to the fight against the COVID-19 virus. Any government support for healthcare products must include a massive, immediate ramp-up in the production of hand sanitizer.
Matt Mackowiak is president of Potomac Strategy Group, LLC. He’s a Republican consultant, a Bush administration and Bush-Cheney reelection campaign veteran, and former press secretary to two U.S. senators.
