apple has sourced over 20 million face masks and is now designing, producing and shipping face shields, according to a statement from chief executive tim cook. the company is aiming to produce 1 million face shields per week to deal with the shortage of protective equipment for frontline workers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

last week, cook said that apple had sourced and donated 10 million masks to healthcare professionals. that number has has risen to 20 million. the first shipment face shields arrived at kaiser hospital in santa clara valley last week, and the response from medical workers has been incredible, according to cook.

 

cook announced apple’s plans in a tweet on sunday, while saluting the ‘heroic front line medical professionals’ in a video message. a full transcript of the video detailing apple’s commitment can be read below.

 

 

 

‘in these very challenging and difficult times, I hope you’re staying safe and well,’ cook says in the video. ‘teams across apple have been working hard on ways we can support our heroic frontline medical professionals, and i want to share two updates today.’

 

‘first, the number of masks we’ve been able to source through our supply chain has risen to over 20 million around the world. 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.’

 

‘second, we’ve launched a company wide effort bringing together product designers, engineering operations, packaging teams, and our suppliers to design, produce and ship face shields for health workers.’

 

‘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. these pack flat, 100 per box. each shield is assembles in less than two minutes and is fully adjustable. we’re sourcing materials and manufacturing in the us and china.’

 

‘we plan to ship over 1 million by the end of this week and over 1 million per week after that. we are closely coordinating with medical professionals and government officials across the US to get these to where they’re needed most urgently. we hope to quickly expand distribution beyond the US in both these efforts.’

 

‘our focus is on unique ways apple can help, meeting essential needs of caregivers urgently and at a scale the circumstances require. for apple, this is a labor of love and gratitude, and we will share more of our efforts over time. in the meantime, each of us can stop the spread of the virus by following expert advice to stay home and practice social distancing.’

 

‘thank you for all you’re doing to help in your own life. thank you again to those on the front lines of this fight. stay safe and stay healthy.’