Earlier this week Elon Musk purchased 1255 FDA approved ventilators from Chinese manufactures. Tesla is currently in the process of getting them distributed and installed, in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. Tesla has also supplied 500,000 masks for health care workers. This occurred after Musk tweeted out that Tesla would manufacture ventilators if there was a shortage.
We expect to have over ~1,200 [ventilators] to distribute this week. Getting them delivered, installed & operating is the harder part.
Musk via Twitter
Musk had previously been dismissive over the outbreak of the virus tweeting out “The Coronavirus panic is dumb” later clarifying that he believes the panic to be more dangerous than the virus itself. He later reported that Tesla is working on ventilators although it is not clear how long it will take to manufacture these ventilators, it could be months.
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Other American companies such as Ford and General Motors have pledged to manufacture medical supplies at this time, however, they are still in the early stages of planning and have not actually begun manufacturing supplies yet.
This is such a critical time for America and the world. It is a time for action and cooperation. By coming together across multiple industries, we can make a real difference for people in need and for those on the front lines of this crisis. At Ford, we feel a deep obligation to step up and contribute in times of need, just as we always have through the 117-year history of our company.”
Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman
Despite steps being taken by the companies, the president has not ordered these companies to manufacture medical supplies through the Defense Production Act, which was invoked on Wednesday, and the decision to manufacture medical supplies is up to the discretion of each company.
Sources:
- Trump’s Claim That Ventilator Shortage Was “Unforeseen” Is False –The Intercept
- “Heroic Effort” Elon Musk Donates 1250 Ventilators to Hospitals -Futurism
- Ford works with 3M, GE, UAW to speed production of respirators for healthcare workers ventilators for coronavirus patients -Ford Media
- Coronavirus: Carmakers answer pleas to make medical supplies –BBC News