Governors across the nation slam federal coronavirus response: ‘We didn’t take this seriously’

New York is currently buying sewing machines in order to make its own masks, according to Cuomo.

FEMA administrator Pete Gaynor did not offer a solid timeline for when the national stockpile of masks will be distributed or give a number for how many masks are currently being shipped. He said on ABC News’ “This Week” that there are still masks in the national stockpile, but that FEMA is prepared to “go to zero” to meet demand.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said on ABC News’ “This Week” his state’s need for masks to protect health-care workers and the sick has not been met.

“We are desperate for more PPE equipment—personal protective equipment,” Murphy said. “We’ve had a big ask into the strategic stockpile in the White House. They’ve given us a fraction of our ask.”

He said that in addition to masks, the federal government needs to provide economic aid.

“We think New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, alone those four states need $100 billion direct cash assistance to allow us to continue the fight,” Murphy said.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her state has turned to working with companies in order to purchased needed masks and that she wants to help those on the outbreak’s front lines. Michigan also lacks coronavirus testing kits, according to Whitmer.

“Had the federal government really started focusing when it became clear that the whole world was going to be confronting this, we would be in a stronger position right now,” Whitmer said on ABC News’ “This Week.”

She recommended that the federal government provide a national strategy for handling the outbreak and criticized its lack of preparedness.

“Lives will be lost because we weren’t prepared,” she said. “Our economy will struggle because we didn’t take this seriously enough as a country.”

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/22/governors-say-they-are-not-getting-supplies-they-need-for-coronavirus.html