State Orders Stockpiling of Masks, Extends BYD Contract

On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a series of actions related to personal protective equipment (PPE) to further strengthen the state’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Newsom has directed the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to increase the state’s strategic stockpile to 100 million N-95 respirators and 200 million surgical masks by early fall to account for the potential need given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases.

Governor Newsom also announced that OES has entered into a “bridge contract” with BYD North America to produce 120 million N-95 respirators and 300 million surgical masks for the state. The new contract totals $315 million, consisting of $255 million for N95 masks and $60 million for surgical masks.

The full announcement from the Governor’s Office is available here.