Gov. Holcomb Announces Offenders Producing Face Masks, Gowns
Friday, March 27, 2020
Governor also provides INDOT, food assistance updates
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced offenders at the
Miami Correctional Facility are producing face masks, personal protection
gowns, face shields and hand sanitizer to be used in the fight against
COVID-19.
“I’m pleased to have the Department of Correction joining the ranks of
Hoosier businesses, large and small, stepping forward in the fight against
COVID-19. Production of these items will lessen the strain on the supply
chain, leaving more of these products available for Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb
said.
After the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the State of Indiana, the
Department of Correction changed the mission of Indiana Correctional
Industry’s (ICI) production lines at Miami Correctional Facility from
offender uniforms to the production of protective equipment. This week, ICI
stood up two production lines that are producing 200 protection gowns and
200 masks per day. Additionally, the shop is currently in production of 650
12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer.
The Department of Correction plans to repurpose another production line at
Wabash Valley Correctional Facility to expand the production of protective
equipment.
The personal protective equipment (PPE) being made by offenders will be used
by first responders and in Department of Correction facilities to allow
traditional PPE to remain available for health care workers.
See pool video of the PPE production at Miami Correctional by clicking here:
drive.google.com/file/d/1k4oU6ohnIwWARHnWXLUNvPRudAqQHwPr/view
Gov. Holcomb outlined these additional efforts from INDOT and the National
Guard:
* Traffic on state roads, highways and interstates is down
significantly as a result of many Hoosiers honoring the Stay-At-Home Order
(A traffic chart is attached).
* To speed up deliveries to retailers, commercial trucks hauling
products essential to COVID-19 response are eligible for an emergency
overweight vehicle permit. This permit will allow trucks to operate in the
state at 90,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rather than 80,000 lbs. through at
least April 13. Trucking companies and drivers needing this permit should
call 317-615-7320.
* Highway maintenance is ongoing, and construction season will begin
on time. Move over, slow down, and pay attention if you must be on the roads
for essential travel to help keep our employees and contractors safe.
* The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), in
partnership with the state’s food banks, the Indy Hunger Network and Feeding
Indiana’s Hungry, has developed a statewide, interactive map that will help
Hoosiers seeking food assistance find what they need. Click here to see the
map: www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/5768.htm
* There are two types of organizations shown on the map: food pantries
and meal sites. Food pantries are locations where Hoosiers can pick up
groceries to prepare and use at their homes. Meal sites serve packed meals,
ready to take home and eat.
* The Indiana National Guard is being deployed to six food banks
across the state to help sort and pack food for distribution to food
pantries.
* The food banks are in Marion County (2), Bloomington, Lafayette,
Fort Wayne and Merrillville.
* The Indiana National Guard will also work at mobile food
distribution sites across the state.
More information may be found at the ISDH website at coronavirus.in.gov
<coronavirus.in.gov/> and the CDC website at
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.