CHICAGO (WSIL) � The state of Illinois is teaming with manufacturing and biotech industries to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
On Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new partnership with the Illinois Manufacturers� Association (IMA) and the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO) to ramp up in-state production of essential supplies.
“In the face of the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, the people of Illinois have stepped up once again: our innovative biotech companies and state-of-the art manufacturers are teaming up with the State of Illinois to ramp up production of Personal Protective Equipment,� said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re not just waiting for in-state production. My administration continues to work day and night to scour the global supply chain. Illinois is acquiring PPE to compensate for what we haven’t received in our federal requests. But we are doing so while running up against obstacles that should not exist.�
Companies will begin manufacturing products ranging from medicine and therapies, personal protective devices � like N95 masks, gloves, gowns, ventilators and sanitizer � and medical equipment. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will direct donated supplies to health care and emergency response providers across the state.
Pritzker said the state has executed contracts to purchase 2.5 million N95 masks, 1 million disposable surgical masks, 11,000 gloves and 10,000 personal protection kits.
He also called on businesses, such as tattoo parlors and nail salons, that are currently closed to donate any unused protective equipment.
To donate personal protective equipment (PPE), email [email protected].
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