Category: Supply Chain

New COVID-19 lockdown in China could worsen supply chain issues, experts say 

Experts say many industries could face further supply chain disruptions if China imposes widespread lockdown measures to curb the spread of the omicron variant, The New York Times reported Jan. 16. 

Federal COVID-19 test distribution plan further strains US supply

The Biden administration’s plan to distribute 1 billion rapid COVID-19 tests is putting pressure on manufacturers and distributors to bolster tight nationwide supplies, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 16. 

10 systems seeking supply chain talent

Ten health systems have posted job listings for supply chain expertise in the last week:

Blood shortage temporarily closes California hospital’s trauma center

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services said blood shortages forced the trauma center at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to close for several hours on Jan. 10, The Los Angeles Times reported. 

Texans find bare shelves in the cold medicine aisle amid omicron surge

The aisles for over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are nearly bare across Dallas Walmart, Target, CVS and Sam’s Club locations, The Dallas Morning News reported Jan. 10. 

FDA allows Florida to use 1M million expired COVID-19 tests

The FDA has extended the shelf life of nearly 1 million rapid COVID-19 test kits that first expired in a Florida warehouse in September, the Miami Herald reported Jan. 11. 

Red Cross declares nation’s first blood crisis

The American Red Cross, which supplies 40 percent of the nation’s blood, on Jan. 11 declared the first-ever national blood crisis. 

4 recent medical device recalls

Medical device recalls, whether voluntary or mandated by the FDA, ensure patient safety. 

Labs ration access to COVID-19 tests amid surge

The increasing demand for COVID-19 testing is prompting some labs across the U.S. to ration access and prioritize patients presenting symptoms or other health concerns, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 10.

COVID-19 treatments rationed & 7 more supply chain updates

Here are eight supply chain updates from the last two weeks: