With growing concerns due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Ohio, 5B’s Embroidery & Screen Print, Zanesville, Ohio, has shifted its focus to joining the fight. 5B’s started making masks for the local hospital and then selling face coverings on its online retail store, all while adhering to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.
Beginning in late March and with material provided by Genesis HealthCare System, 5B’s donated the labor to produce 15,000 masks for the hospital, with that number continually growing by 3,000 each week.
With the mask-producing operation up and running, the company started making and selling face coverings through B-Wear Sportswear—the company’s retail wing—where customers have purchased more than 10,000 masks in April and May. B-Wear’s two retail locations have remained temporarily closed, but are preparing to reopen with increased safety measures when given the go-ahead by state authorities.
All the while, 5B’s has kept safety as its top priority. Following CDC and state guidelines, employees have their temperature checked by a health care professional prior to work. Meanwhile, measures have been taken to ensure employees can maintain safe distances while working. Also, signage reminding employees to practice social distancing, wash hands and to avoid touching their face has been posted throughout the facility.
On top of continuing to run and provide employees with a weekly paycheck, 5B’s is using its stimulus money to support its employees and their families. During this crisis, each employee is receiving a weekly bonus. Meanwhile, health insurance premiums for those laid off are being covered by 5B’s and reduced by 50 percent for those currently working. Many employees with preexisting conditions have chosen a voluntary layoff and will be welcomed back when full operations resume.
For more information on 5B’s Embroidery and Screen Print, visit www.5bs.com.
