Naperville Business Lawyer Recognizes Companies That Have Stepped Up to Help Deal With the Coronavirus Crisis

The last few weeks have been some of the most challenging that most of us have ever dealt with. The state of Illinois has been under a stay-at-home/shelter-in-place order since March 21, which means that residents are only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, such as to buy food or to care for a family member. Non-essential businesses have also been closed for several weeks, and while many people have started working from home, many others are unable to do so and are now out of work.

With so many challenges surrounding us, it is easy to get discouraged and to focus on the negatives caused by the coronavirus health crisis. With each passing day, however, there are more and more examples of companies that are stepping up to help us manage this unprecedented situation. The team at the Gierach Law Firm would like to take a few minutes to recognize just a couple of them.

Abbott Rolls Out Five-Minute Test

Abbott Laboratories is one of the largest manufacturers of medical devices in the nation, if not the world. The North Chicago-based company was one of the first to become intimately involved with efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. As the virus began to reach the entire country, Abbott worked quickly to develop a test that reduced the amount of time needed to return results. On March 27, Abbott received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin full-scale production of a new test that can identify the COVID-19 virus in just five minutes.

According to company officials, a positive result can be delivered within five minutes, and negative results can be delivered in just 13 minutes. The new tests utilize equipment that most doctors’ offices already use to test for other viruses such as strep and influenza. Previously approved tests required several hours to run, and their limited availability has caused patients to wait for days or weeks without results. The new test looks to expedite the diagnostic process, which, in turn, will slow the spread of the virus.

Rival Automakers Switch to Making Ventilators

In late March, both Ford and General Motors announced that their production lines would switch over from automotive components to components for medical ventilators. Both U.S. automakers shut down normal operations a few weeks ago, and many of their employees were laid off. When government officials expressed concern over a possible shortage of ventilators, however, the car-making giants found their way to help. Officials and workers for both companies are racing to get their revamped production facilities online as quickly as possible. Ford hopes to have at least 1,500 ventilators produced by the end of April, and GM has promised 10,000 units per month starting as early as May.

A Positive Outlook

By highlighting the efforts of these three companies, we do not mean to overlook what thousands of other businesses are doing around the country. We know that companies are stepping up in virtually every community. Some are paying their essential employees higher-than-usual wages. Local distilleries have switched to making sanitizer solution. Cooperative agreements are being reached between restaurants and grocery stores to allow laid-off servers to help food stores keep up with increased demand. It is encouraging to have to admit that we simply do not have the space to adequately recognize all of the businesses that are going above and beyond during this difficult time.

We Are Here for You

From the entire family at the Gierach Law Firm, we encourage you to stay strong and think positively. This is a tough situation, but the American spirit is tougher, and we will get through it together. If we can help you and your family, please reach out to us by calling 630-228-9413. We are proud to do our part in helping our friends and neighbors.

Sources:

Yahoo! Finance

Crain’s Chicago Business

Washington Post