DHS unveils system to decontaminate up to 80,000 masks a day

-
2:39
Helping the hungry, doubling your donations: ’Match Madness...
-
1:29
Milwaukee Public Museum reopens after months of closure due to...
-
1:19
Marquette hosts community conversation panel on health equity
-
3:16
BBB Wisconsin, Wisconsin DFI warn businesses of misleading solicitations
-
3:18
Susan G. Komen BigWigs campaign underway in the fight against...
-
1:56
First 50s arrive five weeks late with more on the way
-
2:27
Milwaukee Police Department implements new Traffic Safety Unit...
-
2:29
Natalie’s Everyday Heroes: Survivor and pediatric cancer foundation...
-
2:06
Filing 2020 taxes could be difference between receiving stimulus...
-
1:56
Ice shanties must be removed nightly starting Sunday
-
0:58
Milwaukee fire chief commends volunteers who installed nearly...
-
1:43
Wisconsin Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market stores to get vaccine...
WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Personal protective equipment is still in short supply in Wisconsin, especially N95 masks.
Those masks are designed to be used just once, but with critical shortages across the country, health care workers have had no choice but to use them repeatedly.
The state has now developed a plan to extend their lifespan.
The Department of Health Services debuted a new system Tuesday that can decontaminate up to 80,000 masks a day.
"We are only accepting N95 respirators that are not cellulose based," said Caitlyn Farragher, Energy and Environment Field Technician Specialist with Battelle. "We are also accepting masks that are not soiled."
The system, designed by Battelle, is being rolled out in 60 different locations throughout the country.
Only one is located in Wisconsin.
They expect to begin decontaminating masks by the end of the week.