Coronavirus

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Cottage Health received 200,000 N95 masks from the State of California's inventory, but there's a problem: they are unusable.

The masks arrived earlier this week from the state as part of standard emergency response request process.

Cottage Hospitals, like hospitals across the country, have been navigating a shortage on personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and employees on the front lines of the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

The shipment of N95 masks was meant to serve as a critical injection of much-needed equipment. But when hospital staff opened their deliveries they discovered the masks were compromised.

While in storage, the elastic strap degraded over time and no longer functions, Cottage Health said in an emailed statement.

N95 masks require a tight seal on the face to prevent exposure to the coronavirus. Without the elastic straps, the masks aren't suitable for protecting against the deadly disease.

Cottage Health officials say they are exploring the possibility of partnering with manufacturers to see if the masks can be repaired.

Until then, the masks will sit while doctors and nurses continue to treat those who are sick.

Cottage Hospital began accepting homemade masks at a drive-thru donation drop off. The homemade masks could be used for patients or healthcare professionals as an absolute last resort to stop the spread.