Personal protective equipment, used to ensure the safety of health care workers on the front lines is in short supply, and workers are struggling as they fight to help patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fox Business reports that Ford has stepped up to address the need. The company has shipped out one million face shields. Ford said more than 190,000 of those are on their way or have been delivered to hard-hit New York and New Jersey.

United Auto Workers members are making one face shield every 10 seconds. Their goal is to ship 750,000 face shields throughout the country per week, reports Fox.

Ford told Local 4 News Detroit that “120 UAW workers have been assembling the shields for front line workers using parts made with 3D printers at the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Redford.” The shields are being delivered in partnership with HealthTrust, a leading healthcare performance optimization organization.

“During difficult times, Americans pull together to solve tough problems -- it’s part of who we are," said New York Mayor Bill De Blasio. "New York City is on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are deeply grateful for the resources and support we are receiving from people across the country. We thank the members of the UAW and Ford for their support,” quotes Local 4 News.

A statement from the UAW reads, “We could not be prouder of the UAW members that have volunteered to make such a difference at this critical time in our history. These UAW Ford Members have sacrificed beyond themselves for all of us,” reports Local 4 News.

To protect those treating an infectious patient, the CDC recommends disposable face shields or safety goggles that cover the sides of a healthcare worker’s eyes, says Fox.

Ford also announced it will work with 3M and GE Healthcare to produce respirators and ventilators, reports Fox.

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