A local company is making and sending thousands of face shields across the U.S. and donating 200 to Martha’s Village and Kitchen
A local couple that has lived in the Coachella Valley for over 30 years has a rigid box and direct mail business. Due to COVID-19 they are now using their facility to also produce face shields. The face shields are FDA approved with materials completely washable, flexible, and lightweight. On Tuesday, the owner and president of Jenco Productions, Jennifer Imbriani, stopped by Martha's Village and Kitchen to donate 200 of these face shields to employees.
Imbriani said, "We have produced over 1 million facial shields and have shipped them all over the country to hospitals doctors offices dentist offices and to the general public in need." She said that the shields protect the entire face. They protect the eyes, the nose, the mouth, and keep you from touching your face. She added, “They lift up, they’re lightweight. So you can have them on all the time, you never have to take them off. And they are very easy to wash. You throw them in the kitchen sink, and spray them down and wipe them down and put them back on immediately and you’re good to go.”
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They are producing seventy to eighty thousand of the face shields daily with over one and a half million shipped already. They are being shipped not only for the Coachella Valley but also for hospitals, doctor offices, and dentist offices, across the country.
Larissa Kerstetter is the director of philanthropy at Martha's Village and Kitchen. When receiving the face shield donations she said, “These are companies in the Coachella Valley that have actually changed what they produce to accommodate the needs of the community.” She said it has been a difficult time for her and her employees to find personal protective equipment. She added, “We are here 24 hours, 365 days a year serving the community. And having this protective equipment for our staff to continue to keep them safe during this crisis however long it lasts and afterward.”
For those wanting to get their hands on these face shields, Imbriani said the minimum order is normally 100 because they are boxed in hundreds. They do this to keep the price of face shields under $2 a unit. For the Coachella Valley, she is able to make orders of 50. To place an order you can find more information on their WEBSITE, or email orders@jencoproductions.com
News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi will have more tonight at 5 p.m.
Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.
Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.
Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:
Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.
