Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
US Issues Warnings After Seizing Millions Of Counterfeit N95 Masks
One million counterfeit N95 masks were seized by federal agents on Wednesday as part of a sweeping fraud investigation stemming from the global coronavirus pandemic, the head of the Department of Homeland Security announced. The seizure brought the total number of knockoff masks that have been confiscated in recent weeks to more than 11 million, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, said during a news conference. (Vigdor, 2/17)
The fake masks closely resemble N95 masks produced by Minnesota-based company 3M. The counterfeit products have been sold to states "from coast to coast" with officials expected to seize more phony N95s in the "coming weeks," Alejandro Mayorkas, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, said during a briefing Wednesday. ... The phony masks are not tested to see whether they meet strict N95 standards and could put frontline medical workers at risk if they are used while treating patients with COVID-19. Â (Farber, 2/17)
In other news about masks —
Florida authorities have arrested two men who allegedly pretended to be U.S. Marshals to avoid wearing masks. Walter Wayne Brown Jr. and Gary Brummett were arrested on Feb. 11 for impersonating a federal officer after a hotel employee became suspicious and called the cops, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. (Lonas, 2/17)
Americans may soon be able to choose between two clearly labeled levels of face mask protection while browsing store shelves. The new national mask standard outlines minimum fit, design, performance and testing requirements for face masks and would require user instructions, package labeling and a permanent tag on the product. (Enriquez, 2/17)
Quicker and easier spreading variants of the coronavirus are making some wonder if they should upgrade their mask, or double up with ones they already own. What is better, an N95 mask or two blue surgical masks? We consulted health experts, as well as the latest masking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to lay out the most effective masking strategies. (Dickinson, 2/17)
