(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. government forecast the coronavirus pandemic “will last 18 months or longer,” causing widespread shortages that put a strain on consumers and the health care system, New York Times reported, citing a 100-page federal plan.
The March 13 blueprint outlined responses from government agencies and indicated possible use of special presidential powers, according to the paper. One option would be for President Donald Trump to invoke a Korean War-era law known as the Defense Production Act of 1950 that orders U.S. industry to boost production of critical equipment, such as ventilators and respirators.
Potential “critical shortages” may occur, hitting supplies of diagnostic and medical equipment, as well as personal protective gear, the document said. Infrastructure and communications channels will be stressed complicating coordination between authorities.
The blueprint was unclassified and shared with the newspaper.
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