Statistics related to the manufacturing of personal protective equipment by Indiana companies. Provided by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Economic Development Corporation provided updates on personal protective equipment manufacturing in Indiana during Gov. Eric Holcomb’s COVD-19 update briefing, April 13.

Fifteen Indiana companies have committed to manufacture various PPE items for first responders, medical and other essential personnel, according to Schellinger and IDEC Chief of Staff Luke Bosso.

IDEC Chief of Staff Luke Bosso updates the press on PPE manufacturing by Indiana companies, April 13.

Indiana companies have “stepped up in a big way,” said Jim Schellinger, Secretary of Commerce at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. As of April 13, a total of 440,000 pieces of PPE have been donated by Indiana companies.

Companies such as GDC, Inc. in Goshen committed to manufacturing items such as plastic protective shields and polypropylene inserts for face masks. GDC has manufactured 7,000 inserts for face masks.

About 200,000 pieces of PPE have been distributing to hospitals for first responders and medical personnel.

Companies have promised Indiana 2.6 million pieces of PPE, according to Bosso.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said the effort shows “the true Indiana ethos,” of stepping up when needed.

If companies are interested in contributing to the PPE manufacturing efforts, they are encouraged to contact the state at [email protected].

In other matters, Gov. Holcomb as the state nears the surge of positive cases and deaths, he said that the state will continue to emphasize preventative measures such as social distancing.

According to Indiana State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said the surge is expected to hit Indiana at the end of April into the first two weeks of May. Due to the high number of cases, Marion County is projected to be the first county to experience the surge.

The “Hunker Down Indiana” executive order expires this week. While Holcomb applauded preventative efforts by Hoosiers, he said the executive order may be “tweaked,” in the coming weeks as in anticipation of the surge and afterword. He maintains he is working in cooperation with federal actions and those of his fellow governors.

Holcomb iterated that the state is still in the “mitigation” phase. Ahead of the surge, he emphasized the importance of this phase ahead of the subsequent three phases. As mitigating the spread of COVID-19 would aid the state in its efforts. The surveillance phase will consist of tracking and monitoring positive cases as they reach a state of recovery. In the working phase, Hoosiers would adjust to a new normal as the state slowly opens back up. Holcomb mentioned changes in hygiene and cleanliness requirements as Hoosiers return some version of their normal lives.

US Sen. Todd Young will attend the Tuesday, April 14 COVID-19 update briefing to discuss the CARES ACT stimulus package, among other economically related topics.