Acquiring personal protective equipment (PPE) for local hospitals, long-term care facilities and first responders remains a top priority for the Carroll County Board of Supervisors. The issue was discussed at length during a special meeting this (Friday) afternoon. Emergency Management Coordinator, Sara Anderson, said she was somewhat surprised to see a recent order for surgical masks from the state will be filled, but other items are still in very short supply.
Anderson added any order for PPE needs to be placed almost immediately when it is available because they sell out so quickly. She says how much PPE to order is essentially a guessing game at this point.
Gene Meiners recommended erring on the side of caution despite a nearly 100-percent increase in per unit cost and ordering above estimates, noting the equipment can always be used later.
Dean Schettler pointed out they are ordering PPE for the whole county, so it makes sense to him to order in bulk when available. Fortunately, gloves have been somewhat easier for the county to procure. However, Anderson told the supervisors that is not the case for medical gowns, as the cost to produce them locally was higher than anticipated.
With many decisions needing to be made quickly, the board nominated Chair, Rich Ruggles, to serve as the main contact point for county staff when guidance is necessary on PPE orders. To close the meeting, Anderson told the board they would explore all options to procure PPE and continue submitting orders to the state during the public health crisis.
