Hunt for medical gear to fight virus becomes all-consuming The hunt for ventilators and other medical supplies is consuming the U.S. and Europe, as new virus infections soarPARIS -- The hunt for masks, ventilators and other medical supplies consumed the U.S. and Europe on Monday, as new coronavirus infections soared and political paralysis stalled efforts for a quick aid package from Congress. Spain reported that more than 3,900 health care workers have become infected, accounting for roughly 12% of the country's total cases. British health workers pleaded for more gear, saying they felt like “cannon fodder.” In France, doctors scrounged masks from construction workers, factory floors, an architect. “If people go within 2 meters of others who they don't live with, then they're helping to spread the virus,” he said. ———The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education.

Source: ABC News March 23, 2020 05:58 UTC