Tesla Will Make Ventilators Amid Shortage during Coronavirus Outbreak, Says Elon Musk

Many Twitter users voiced their support for Elon Musk's suggestion that Tesla will make ventilators amid a shortage during the coronavirus outbreak.

Since Musk's tweet, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio replied directly to the CEO of Tesla on Thursday, informing Musk that the City of New York is in need of spare ventilators amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The entire U.S. is undergoing a shortage of ventilators as more and more infected patients require them to survive.

SEE ALSO: ITALIAN HOSPITAL SAVES COVID-19 PATIENTS' LIVES THANKS TO 3D PRINTED VALVES

UPDATE March 19, 2:00 PM EDT: New York Mayor Bill de Blasio tells Musk to deliver on his offer

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio replied to Musk's tweet and confirmed that there is a shortage of ventilators in New York, adding that Musk should follow-through on his offer.

"@ elonmusk New York City is buying!" de Blasio tweeted, and added: "Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP -- we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks."

@elonmusk New York City is buying!

Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP — we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks. We’re getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help!

We’re reaching out to you directly.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 19, 2020

"We're reaching out to you directly," added de Blasio.

More updates to come on Musk's prospective assistance supplying ventilators to the City of New York.

Tesla and Twitter

Patients who suffer severe symptoms due to the coronavirus need assistance to breathe through ventilators. This gives them more time to survive in order to fight against the virus. As more and more infected people flock to hospitals in the U.S. and around the world, a shortage of such ventilators is making the situation even more critical.

On Wednesday, for instance, the WHO stated they are in talks with China and others to increase supplies of health equipment, while companies such as General Motors and Ford said they are in talks with the White House to see what they can provide.

Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, took to Twitter to state that the electric-vehicle company could join the ranks of those creating and providing extra health equipment, such as ventilators.

"We will make ventilators if there is a shortage," stated Musk's tweet.

An immediate response by FiveThirtyEight editor-in-chief, Nate Silver, was "there is a shortage right now, how many ventilators you making?"

There's a shortage now, how many ventilators you making @elonmusk? https://t.co/hsaP9RMDZK

— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) March 19, 2020

Musk was fast in replying, "Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly. Which hospitals have these shortages you speak of right now?"

It looks like Tesla factories may be turning to making these crucial pieces of equipment in a bid to help save lives.

Tesla makes cars with sophisticated hvac systems. SpaceX makes spacecraft with life support systems. Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly. Which hospitals have these shortages you speak of right now?

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 19, 2020

There have been other companies, such as a 3D printing company in Italy that acted quickly to design and print extra valves for breathing devices in a northern Italian hospital.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the ongoing nature of Elon Musk's offer to provide ventilators through Tesla when a shortage is confirmed. This article's introduction now states that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio replied to Musk's offer, confirming a shortage and requesting ventilators for the city. An "update" section follows, detailing the Twitter reply from de Blasio. IE will continue to update as the situation develops.