Apple CEO Tim Cook has gone to Twitter to provide an update on Apple’s response to COVID-19. Starting by revealing that Apple has sourced 20 million masks through their supply chain. And that Apple is “working continuously” with Governments to get the masks donated where they need them.
However, Tim Cook continues by announcing Apple has launched a “company-wide effort” to design, produce, and ship face shields for health care workers. And was done by Apple’s design, engineering, operations, and packaging teams.
Each shield can be assembled in less than two minutes and is fully adjustable. And each arrives in a flat-pack of 100, which have been manufactured in the US and China.
Face shields are an important piece of equipment for healthcare workers in providing protection from Coronavirus. Particularly when patients are symptomatic with sneezing, coughing, and so on.
Tim Cook has confirmed that the first packs of face shields was delivered to Kaiser hospital facilities in the Santa Clara Valley. And that the feedback from workers has been positive. Apple plans to deliver one million more by the end of the week, and another million each week after that.
At this stage, the shields will be delivered around the US, but Apple is looking to distribute them elsewhere soon. With every possibility, this could include Australia should our healthcare system require them.
Apple Retail Stores outside of China, including in Australia, remain closed until further notice.
