Ford Motor and General Electric announced that they are partnering up to build tens of thousands of ventilators in the fight against COVID-19. Production is slated to begin on April 20, with 50,000 ventilators manufactured by July.
Medical experts have warned of ventilator shortages in the fight against the novel coronavirus, as hospitals become overwhelmed with patients who require breathing assistance as a result of the illness that has sickened at least 143,000 and killed [more than 3,000] in the United States.
On a conference call Monday, Ford and GE said they have a partnership to build a simplified version of an existing ventilator, estimating they can produce 50,000 in 100 days starting April 20. The companies would ramp up production to meet a target of 30,000 ventilators a month after that, they said.