We're in unprecedented times. People are having to stay home in record numbers because of the potential spread of the Wuhan coronavirus. The government is asking people to practice good hygiene and avoid having contact with other people as much as humanly possible. It's had a negative effect on businesses and peoples' livelihoods, especially for those workers who have seen their jobs close up for the unforeseeable future.
Health care workers are starting to see the challenges of this disease and, in particular, on the supply chain. Despite that, some businesses are stepping up to make an impact and help curb the spread of the disease.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines, which include Carnival, Holland America, Princess and P&O, shut down their cruise ships to protect their crew and customers and promote social distancing.
Instead of allowing the ships to sit and be unused, Carnival Cruise Lines decided to help with hospital overcrowding.
"We will make select ships available as temporary hospitals to treat non COVID-19 patients freeing up additional space and expanding capacity in land-based hospitals," the parent organization said on Instagram. "We are one big Carnival family and your support from around the country continues to make a positive impact."
Hanes Brand
President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the Hanes Brand is redirecting part of its factory operations to creating face masks. The goal is to help provide health care workers with much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE).
Here’s how @Hanes is doing their part to #FlattenTheCurve and #SlowTheSpread.
— GOP (@GOP) March 21, 2020
#InItTogether pic.twitter.com/iWQRmnMDUu
The company shared a picture of their team in Thailand who were sewing masks for their local community.
Way to go, team Thailand!
— Hanesbrands Inc. (@HanesBrands) March 18, 2020
With face masks in short supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our team in Surin made and donated 5,000 of them to support the local community.
Making a positive impact within our communities is #HanesForGood! pic.twitter.com/LGQRiQMFoi
Apple
According to Vice President Mike Pence, Apple is donating two million N95 masks to health care workers.
Apple is donating 2 million masks, @VP announces.
— Philip Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann) March 21, 2020