In a delayed initiative, the FDA, USDA, and OSHA are now assisting the healthcare and agricultural sectors to help source PPE, disinfectants, and sanitation consumables to implement recommendations from the Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council.

The Federal government has established priority for hospitals, healthcare facilities, long term-care and emergency responders to acquire available supplies.  The food and agricultural sector and other components regarded as critical infrastructure will represent the second level of priority.  These participants will include food producers and processors, operators of  storage and distribution centers, groceries and other food retail stores.

Producers and packers in the food and agricultural sector are advised to follow the Federal Emergency Management Agency directives in the manual Coronavirus Pandemic: Addressing PPE Needs in Non-Healthcare Settings.  The food and agricultural sector is dissuaded from using medical grade PPE including N95 respirators or supplies needed by the healthcare, public health and emergency service sectors.

The Federal directive advises sourcing from private sector suppliers.  In the event that supplies are unavailable commercially, direct representation should be made to the FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center.  Requests should state:

• Specific types, quantities, and locations where PPE is required
• Estimated time until supplies are depleted
• The effect of shortages on ability to supply food