corona-accountability

[corona-accountability]

Italian engineers' brilliant 3-D printed hack turns scuba gear into ventilator masks

Due to the shortage of ventilator masks in northern Italy, a doctor reached out to Cristian Fracassi and Alessandro Romaioli, engineers at Isinnova, a 3-D printing company, with the idea of making masks out of scuba equipment.

In just three hours, the engineers created a prototype for a 3-D printed valve that successfully converts the scuba gear into a ventilator mask.

"We had never made valves before, but we wanted to help," they said according to The Independent.

The engineers then reached out to French sporting goods retailer Decathlon to see if they could use the Subea Easybreath snorkeling mask for the project. The company was "immediately willing to cooperate."

The first fully-working prototype was tested at the Chiari Hospital and proven to be effective. After the successful test, the engineers printed 100 more valves.

The engineers quickly patented the valve, but then made the 3-D printing files free so anyone with a printer can produce them during the crisis. "We clarify that our initiative is totally non-profit, we will not obtain any royalties on the idea of the link, nor on the sales of Decathlon masks," the engineers said.

Upworthy

[corona-accountability]

‘Can Do’ Brooklyn Navy Yard Snaps Into Action To Help NYC Respond to COVID-19 Outbreak

Within 72 hours over the weekend, Michael Bednark flipped his entire business located in Brooklyn's Navy Yard, from one that builds large custom installations for companies like Google and Heineken to one that mass produces a single item: Face shields for frontline medical workers. 

...

Several other businesses in the Navy Yard have also switched their operations to help the city. Kings County Distillery and perfume company D.S. & Durga have switched operations to produce hand sanitizer. Kingbridge, a tailoring business, has started sewing face masks. Of course, it’s not just confined to the Navy Yard; the city’s Economic Development Corporation has fielded more than 500 offers from different companies offering to help, as the city struggles to rapidly increase supplies of surgical masks, gowns, and ventilators to help care for a surge in patients sick with COVID-19. 

Gothamist 

[corona-accountability]

Central Ohio non-profit using 3D printers to create face shields during COVID-19 pandemic

"This kind of hits home for us knowing that, you know, those on the front lines risking their lives...making sure everyone out there is safe, we want to empower them," he said. 

WSYX/WTTE

[corona-accountability]

Mike Huckabee: ‘Smart mayors’ should tell citizens to load up on guns and ammo right now

“If you’re willing to wait for the cops to get there in 15 to 30 minutes, then fine,” Huckabee said. “Just sit by the phone and tell them, not only where to pick up your body but also the next of kin. But I think a lot of people recognize that this is a time, no matter who you are or where you live, this is a time to be prepared to protect yourself, your property, and your family in case nobody else can.” 

Dead State 

[corona-accountability]

[corona-accountability]

Sherwin-Williams to donate 3,000 N95 masks for EMS workers

"The N-95 masks donated to the Division of EMS will help provide the women and men on the front lines with proper protection as they provide medical care to our community. This essential equipment comes at a time when there is a nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers and first responders. I thank Sherwin Williams, Chairman & CEO John Morikis, their leadership team and employees for their partnership." 

WKYC

[corona-accountability]

16,000 N95 masks found in warehouse

A church in Adrian, MI just wanted to help their community with some clothes and food in this rough time. But because of their actions, the entire ProMedica system of healthcare workers can breathe a little easier now. 

WTVG

[corona-accountability]

[corona-accountability]

FDA approves use of Battelle’s mask sterilizing technology at full capacity

“I want to thank the FDA team for their professionalism and help in authorizing the use of our technology at this critical moment for our nation,” said Lou Von Thaer, President and CEO of Battelle in a statement. “Everybody who has worked on this project shares the same goal of protecting first responders and healthcare workers who are at the front lines of the pandemic.” 

WBNS

[corona-accountability]

ANTI-GAY LAWMAKER VOTED AGAINST CORONAVIRUS BILL BECAUSE IT “REDEFINED FAMILY” BY PROVIDING SICK LEAVE TO DOMESTIC PARTNERS

Biggs is a Christian conservative who previously called the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized the right of same-sex couples to marry, an attempt to “redefine marriage” and “an affront to the millions of Americans who believe marriage is between a man and a woman.” He previously served as the Arizona state Senate president, a role which he used to usher in legislation for business owners to assert religious belief in order to refuse service to LGBT people and others. 

The Intercept

[corona-accountability]

A couple left a $9,400 tip at a Houston restaurant to help staff get through coronavirus shutdown

CNN

[corona-accountability]

Volunteers 3D-Print Unobtainable $11,000 Valve For $1 To Keep Covid-19 Patients Alive; Original Manufacturer Threatens To Sue

TechDirt

[corona-accountability]

Landlord says he won't collect rent because of coronavirus outbreak, urges others to do the same

A landlord in Maine says he won't collect rent from his tenants because of the coronavirus outbreak has put his tenants in a financial pinch. Nathan Nichols, who owns two units in South Portland, urged other landlords to give their tenants rent relief as the U.S. grapples with the deadly virus. 

...

"COVID19 is going to cause serious financial hardship for service and hourly workers around the country," Nichols said. "I own a two unit in South Portland and all of my tenants are in this category." 

"Because I have the good fortune and of being able to afford it and the privilege of being in the owner class, I just let them know I would not be collecting rent in April. I ask any other landlords out there to take a serious look at your own situation and consider giving your tenants some rent relief as well," he added. 

CBSNEWS

[corona-accountability]

Ohio road signs with important coronavirus messages: 'We're all in this together'

WKYC

[corona-accountability]

Bath and Body Works to close all stores in U.S., Canada due to COVID-19

"While our associates are at home with their loved ones at this critical time, we'll support them with pay, as well as look for other ways we might east their concerns and share our appreciation for all they've done. As a company, we're also working on additional ways to support those in need to our home office communities," CEO Andrew Meslow wrote. 

WKYC

[corona-accountability]

Cleveland celebrity chef Michael Symon to host live cooking demos on Facebook during coronavirus crisis

“I know everyone is cooped up in their homes trying to get through this crazy situation... so I want to help by showing you all how to turn everyday pantry ingredients into amazing dishes at home,” he said. “To me, food is one of life’s greatest comforts. Cooking and feeding people always makes me feel better and, I think, it will also make everyone else feel a little more normal and better, too.” 

Cleveland.com

[corona-accountability]

Facing eviction as millions shelter in place

The Washington Post