Already medical professionals have fallen ill and even died treating the coronavirus.
That’s why there’s a clamor for more gowns, masks and gloves to protect those on the front lines.
But those items are becoming harder and harder to find.
“With the flu and RSV season, we have seen local hospitals already at max capacity, and that’s before coronavirus has even entered the area,” Dr. Erica Carney, Kansas City's medical director, told city leaders.
Local hospitals tell FOX4 they have an “adequate supply” of protective gear in stock, but experts worry that stock could be quickly depleted should the coronavirus reach a dramatic peak.
With that in mind, on Tuesday, President Donald asked construction companies and other non-emergency responders who use protective equipment to donate those items to first responders.