Apple Producing Protective Face Shields, Will Ship 1 Million By Week's End

March 27, Chicago, IL, USA; Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook makes an appearance at Chicago's Michigan Avenue Apple Store after an Apple's education-focused event at Lane Technical College Preparatory High School. Mandatory Credit: Rodney White-USA
Photo credit Apple CEO Tim Cook (Photo credit: Rodney White-USA TODAY NETWORK)

Apple has announced two major efforts to provide much needed protective supplies to medical workers in the US.

In a video posted to twitter, CEO Tim Cook announced the company has sourced millions of face masks and developed its own protective face shields. 

Cook says the company has been able to source over 20 million face masks through its supply chain. “This is a truly global effort and we’re working continuously and closely with governments at all levels to ensure these are donated to places of greatest need.”

The Cupertino-based tech company has also developed its own face shields for medical workers, which appear to be made of a thin, clear plastic that covers the wearer’s entire face. The first shipment was donated to Kaiser facilities in the South Bay.

“These pack flat, 100 to a box,” said Cook. “Each shield assembles in less than two minutes and is fully adjustable.”

Apple is dedicated to supporting the worldwide response to COVID-19. We’ve now sourced over 20M masks through our supply chain. Our design, engineering, operations and packaging teams are also working with suppliers to design, produce and ship face shields for medical workers. pic.twitter.com/3xRqNgMThX

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 5, 2020

Cook announced Apple is working to distribute over one million shields by the end of this week and will continue shipping over one million per week for the foreseeable future. The company is coordinating with government officials to distribute them within the U.S. where demand is high, with hopes to expand beyond the U.S. in the future.

“For Apple, this is a labor of love and gratitude,” said Cook, expressing his thanks to the country’s healthcare workers.