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California to buy 200 million masks a month amid outbreak

Why people who get the COVID-19 vaccine still need to wear masks
Jens Meyer/AP
A woman is wearing a face mask as she walks through the old town in Jena, Germany, Friday, April 3, 2020. Jena becomes first German city to make wearing a face mask mandatory. Starting at the beginning of next week, wearing a mouth and nose protection will be mandatory in Jena's shops, public transportation, and buildings with public access. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)
Why people who get the COVID-19 vaccine still need to wear masks
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will spend nearly $1 billion to purchase up to 200 million masks a month during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Newsom made the announcement Tuesday during an appearance on Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show.

The masks will be made overseas. Newsom said the state has signed multiple contracts with an unidentified consortium of nonprofits and a California-based manufacturer to obtain the masks.

State taxpayers will pay $495 million upfront. Other payments will be made as shipments arrive. The Newsom administration estimates total payments will be $990 million.

California and other states have had trouble finding enough masks during the outbreak.

Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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