Boeing has delivered the first set of reusable 3D-printed face shields to US healthcare authorities, in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) accepted the initial consignment of 2,300 donated face shields on Saturday morning (local time).
Boeing has stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be responsible for delivering the equipment on to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
The company looks to produce thousands more of the reusable PPE on a weekly basis, gradually increasing production output to meet US demands.
Distribution of additional face shields will be co-ordinated with HHS and FEMA in response to changing needs across the country.
In a press release posted on Saturday, Boeing announced that production of face shields will take place in facilities in:
- St. Louis, Missouri;
- China Lake, El Segundo and Huntington Beach, California;
- Puget Sound region of Washington state;
- Mesa, Arizona;
- Huntsville, Alabama;
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
- Charleston, South Carolina;
- San Antonio, Texas;
- Salt Lake City, Utah; and
- Portland, Oregon.
Face shield production and donations are part of a larger Boeing effort to leverage company and employee resources to aid with COVID-19 recovery and relief efforts. The company has also donated face masks, goggles, gloves, safety glasses and protective bodysuits.
Boeing has also offered use of its unique airlift capabilities, including the Boeing Dreamlifter, to help transport critical and urgently needed supplies to healthcare professionals. The company is co-ordinating closely with government officials on how best to provide airlift support.
“Boeing is proud to stand alongside many other great American companies in the fight against COVID-19, and we are dedicated to supporting our local communities, especially our frontline healthcare professionals, during this unprecedented time,” said Boeing president and chief executive David Calhoun.
“History has proven that Boeing is a company that rises to the toughest challenges with people who are second to none. Today, we continue that tradition, and we stand ready to assist the federal government’s response to this global pandemic.”
