In coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, DoD announced N95 mask production will increase by 26 million masks starting in October as a result of a new award to 3M.

“This increased production/industrial capacity will continue to ensure a sustainable supply chain of N95 respirators and resupply the Strategic National Stockpile in response to the increased national demand caused by the COVID 19 pandemic,” the Department of Defense wrote in its press release.

3M will increase production of N95 respirators to at least 312 million units within the year. The company said it will expand its factory in Aberdeen, SD and start production in Wisconsin to meet demand.

Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes