TEANECK, N.J. — A hospital in one of the areas hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak was sold 1,000 faulty protective face masks, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The masks were sold to Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck. Bergen County, where the hospital is located, is the county in New Jersey with the most COVID-19 cases.

N95 masks are regulated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the spokesperson said. But Holy Name couldn't verify NIOSH certification for this particular batch of masks.

Clinicians test supplies at the hospital before they're distributed. They found that the batch of masks would not have adequately protected workers.

The hospital sent the masks back to the vendor, though, and later received a new shipment of certified masks.

The supply of N95 masks has become a key issue for medical officials and elected officials, with many urging civilians to save them for healthcare workers that are in desperate need of them.

This story was originally published by Corey Crockett and Aliza Chasan on WPIX in New York.