‘We feel disposable’: NJ nurses’ union cites lack of protection during coronavirus pandemic

Taken from North Jersey.com

By Lindy Washburn Alexis Shanes

July 23, 2020

Lack of proper protective masks and face shields, inadequate training in their use and lax government enforcement of safety requirements caused hundreds of front-line health workers in New Jersey to fall sick with coronavirus infection as the pandemic slammed health care facilities in recent months, the state’s largest health care union said Monday.

The massive shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) remains, even as the state reopens and braces for a possible resurgence in cases, members of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union said. At least six of the union’s members have died from the virus, and one in five of those who completed a recent survey were diagnosed with it.  Read more..