John Deere begins production of face shields for health care workers

• Coronavirus

Last week In Moline, Illinois-based large manufacturer John Deer announced that they have started producing protective face shields for health care workers in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. They have collaborated with the United Auto Workers (UAW), the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, and several different companies and organizations across the country to produce these face shields.

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7th Grader Goes Viral During Quarantine

The pandemic has forced us all to spend a lot of time at home, which has forced many teachers to get creative with their e-learning curriculums. What started off as a homework assignment at Carl Sandburg Middle School led one 7th grader to go viral.

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Local woman plays her part in aiding essential workers

In response to a massive personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage both at the national and state level, a woman in downstate Illinois has been using her sewing skills to help fill the gap. Dusty Cox-Medina of McDonough County has sewn hundreds of masks in the past few weeks to help her local essential workers.

Cox-Medina worked as a registered nurse until a tragic back injury disabled her. Being able to help out in this midst of the pandemic helps her feel connected to her former work.

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Sew much to do, sew little time: Illinois crafters make, donate masks to local hospitals

• Made in Illinois
• In the News

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the country is facing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE): life-saving masks, goggles, gloves and other supplies health care workers need to keep themselves and their patients safe. To ensure the best care for Illinoisans during this time, Gov. JB Pritzker has partnered with in-state manufacturing and biotech companies to ramp up production of these supplies.

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