Computer and technology giant Apple announced in a video Sunday it’s designing and producing face masks for medical workers and plans to produce 1 million masks per week.
According to CNBC, Apple CEO Tim Cook made the announcement on Twitter. Cook added the masks fit 100 in a box, takes two minutes to assemble, and are fully adjustable.
“We’ve launched a company-wide effort, bringing together product designers, engineering, operations and packaging teams, and our suppliers to design, produce, and ship face shields for health workers,” Cook said. “Our first shipment was delivered to Kaiser hospital facilities in the Santa Clara Valley this past week and the feedback from doctors was very positive.”
Medical professionals across the country are dealing with a shortage of medical supplies including face shields and masks, putting them at risk while they save lives. Cook added Apple has donated 20 million N95 masks to organizations that need them.
In some states, governors are asking citizens with sewing skills to make and donate masks for medical workers. Some hospitals are threatening to fire doctors and nurses who speak out on the lack of medical equipment.
Apple has already donated 20 million N95 masks and is working with medical professionals and government officials to determine where the shields are most needed. Cook said the company is also looking to expand distribution beyond the United States soon.
Other technology giants are also pitching in. Google announced it will release location data in more than 100 countries to help health officials and governments make informed decisions on the virus.
“For Apple this is a labor of love and gratitude, and we’ll share more of our efforts over time,” Cook continued. “In the meantime each of us can stop the spread of the virus by following expert advice to stay home, and practice social distancing.”
The coronavirus outbreak has infected more than 350,000 and killed more than 10,000 in the US alone.