How is Connecticut making sure there’s a sufficient supply of protective equipment in the state?

Connecticut has ordered personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Strategic National Stockpile. However, Connecticut received significantly less than requested (only 14 percent of the initial request). 

Government agencies are implementing a plan to most efficiently distribute the equipment throughout the state.

At the direction of Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the State of Connecticut has activated a framework for donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection that are utilized by people providing healthcare services. 

Members of the public, businesses, and philanthropic organizations that are able to donate these vital materials are urged to contact the state by filling out the online form located at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19.

The specific items being requested by the state at this time include:

• N95 Respirators

• Face Masks/Surgical Masks

• Face Shields

• Surgical Gowns

• Gloves (nitrile, or non-latex)

• Thermometers

• Thermometer Covers (if applicable to type of thermometer)

• Hand Sanitizer

• Other Medical Items 

Governor Lamont has also waived the registration requirement to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE). 

The manufacturing of alcohol based hand sanitizer must still follow Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance and the manufacturing of PPE must follow the FDA, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requirements. PPE manufacturers must also be appropriately registered with these federal agencies as required.