HEALTH

Romney says coronavirus stockpiling should have begun “decades ago”

Mar 4, 2020, 1:32 PM | Updated: Mar 12, 2020, 9:04 am

Senator Mitt Romney says Congress should have been stockpiling medical supplies "decades ago" in an...

Senator Mitt Romney says Congress should have been stockpiling medical supplies "decades ago" in anticipation of a virus outbreak. (Photo: KSL File)

(Photo: KSL File)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Senator Mitt Romney remains critical of Congress and its perceived lack of preparation to handle a potential coronavirus outbreak.

Medical supply shortage

The Senator’s biggest complaint is a shortage of everyday medical supplies such as masks, gowns, and goggles.

“I went on Amazon and looked to see if I could buy some masks for me and my family,” he said. “And the answer is no.”

A number of shortages have been reported as people start to stock up as threats of an expanded outbreak continue to grow.

According to Romney, it’s not good enough to simply react once the coronavirus becomes a bigger problem in America. He says the nation should have been expecting such an outbreak.

“That’s a mistake of Congress not having appropriated money to do so over the last decade or two,” said Romney.

On Tuesday, Romney questioned public health officers with the Center for Disease Control about preparedness to handle a potential pandemic.

During that meeting, Dr. Robert Kadlec, assistant secretary for preparedness and response, said the nation would need 3.5 billion N95 respirator masks. Right now there are around 35 million.

“I’ve been concerned,” Romney noted. “It strikes me that we should have substantially more than 10% of what would be needed for a substantial pandemic. We should have that in stock.”

Coronavirus vaccine

Another topic of discussion is the possible production of a vaccine. Health experts are saying that it remains a work in progress.

“Well, there are several companies that believe they’re on the right track to having a vaccine that will work,” said Romney. “But that has to be tested to make sure it’s safe and to make sure it’s effective.”

In terms of a timeline, having it available to the American public remains a “long-term” goal.

“We will not have a vaccine, we’re told by the people responsible for these kinds of things, for at least probably a year or a year and a half,” he said.

One area where Romney is applauding the government is the amount of money going to fund a response.

The dollar figure attached to a federal emergency bill is being beefed up to roughly $8 billion, more than three times the amount that was previously being discussed. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Health

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

How, and why, a hobby can bring joy to your life

If it brings you pleasure, is meaningful, and you can do it regularly, you've got yourself a hobby! Here's why they can benefit us so much.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah clinics winning the fight against overprescribed antibiotics

Intermountain Health and the University of Utah found that urgent-care facilities were more likely to prescribe antibiotics as a quick, easy solution.

11 months ago

Utah Food Bank...

Allessandra Harris

Utah Food Bank aims to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ this summer

The Utah Food Bank is joining forces with the Letter Carriers Union to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.

11 months ago

...

LEANNE ITALIE AP Entertainment Writer

Mommy blogger Heather Armstrong, known as Dooce to fans, dead at 47

Armstrong had laid bare her struggles as a mother and her battles with depression and alcoholism on her site, Dooce.com, and on social media since 2001.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Romney says coronavirus stockpiling should have begun “decades ago”