Across the country, demand continues to grow at 300% higher than traditional manufacturing and distribution volumes and has outstripped normal demand by 1000% for certain products. We continue to monitor inventory levels on an ongoing basis and do everything possible to get volumes to match COVID-level demand. While allocations remain on many categories, we will provide updates as needed.

Although factories in China and other parts of Asia have re-opened, many are operating with restrictions, and production and distribution continue to be slow. For example, we are seeing constriction in exam glove manufacturing due to a continued Movement Control Order to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia. At this time, factories overall supply chain there continues to be at about 50% of previous volumes.

Alleviating strain on the supply chain

• Invested in air freight shipments for several months to accelerate PPE delivery. Ultimately, more than 25 million exam gloves and more than 50 million facemasks and gowns were air freighted, reducing manufacturing-to-dock time by 3-4 weeks.
• Globally sourced numerous new PPE options as “Spot Buy” opportunities to augment the PPE supply chain, including cover gowns, coveralls, face shields, facemasks and bouffant caps.
• Began reprocessing disposable isolation gowns to expand overall availability of protective apparel.
• For disinfectant wipes, the availability of materials (e.g. canisters and wipe fabric) continues to intermittently disrupt production. We continue to be challenged by the market-wide shortage of isopropyl alcohol, a key ingredient in several products. To mitigate disruption of your supply needs, we are offering substitutes based on availability. If the chemistry of the offered sub is not compatible with your equipment and surfaces, you may continue to order your original product, which will be fulfilled as inventory becomes available.