Businesses left with bills as states halt virus supply deals The competitive scramble by states to buy personal protective equipment this spring stuck some businesses with big billsThe call went out from states: Masks, gowns, gloves and other personal protective equipment were needed fast in the battle against the new coronavirus. The AP did not specifically request details on canceled contracts, but one-third of the states voluntarily provided data totaling more than $3 billion in canceled orders. But while the rest was en route, Texas canceled the orders because the contracts' deadlines had passed. Some businesses lost orders because states were unwilling to pay higher prices companies were being charged by their suppliers. For other companies, their first venture into selling personal protective equipment is still causing headaches.

Source: ABC News December 19, 2020 16:01 UTC