The construction industry is suffering from the effects of consumer panic over the coronavirus, KRGV reports. According to the report, several consumers are purchasing the wrong masks to block the COVID-19 virus, making them more difficult for construction workers to find.
Cynthia Esquivel, CEO for On Point Construction, says “There's a big problem right now, because there's a misconception of what kind of masks are necessary for the coronavirus that's out there right now.”
According to the New York Times the surgeon general, Jerome M. Adams, urged the public to stop buying masks, warning that it won’t help against the spread of the coronavirus but will take away important resources.
The message has not stopped people from buying the masks, particularly the N95 mask, which are usually inexpensive and popular with construction workers, the New York Times reports.
According to KRGV, the respirators that are helpful are known as N95 FFR respirators. They can filter out up to 95 percent of very small particles that can carry bacteria viruses. Masks like the ones used on construction sites are not designed to filter out any particles that carry COVID-19.
If masks continue running out at this pace, the article says construction projects and the budget of those managing them may become compromised.
Source: KRGV & The New York Times
