DSM Forward PPE Experts in DSM

The Greater Des Moines Partnership DSM Forward webinar series offers insight on moving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region forward in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As plans are made and businesses reopen, The Partnership has put together resources for employers at DSMpartnership.com/DSMForward.

Mike Colwell, executive director of entrepreneurial initiatives at The Partnership, talked with A.J. Mumm, director of Polk County Emergency Management, and Li Zhao, president of China Iowa Group. The “DSM Forward: Ask the PPE Experts” webinar focuses on personal protective equipment in Iowa.

Mumm and Zhao touch on the importance of acquiring PPE as DSM and the rest of the state reopen. While in the beginning there was a struggle to get PPE, Zhao says that now it is much better. Looking at new surges of COVID-19 in other areas of the world, Zhao anticipates that PPE prices will continue to go up as more people look at preparation for surges here through the end of the year. Mumm says as far as logistics of PPE, they are focused on warehousing, tracking, distribution, etc.

Types of PPE for Businesses

Zhao outlines numerous types of PPE, including:

• Masks
• Face Shields
• Goggles
• Alcohol Wipes
• Gloves

New technology in PPE includes sanitizing robots and portable LED lights. Mumm advises people to use soap and water, hand sanitizer and bleach solutions.

Business Policies

Zhao says good policy is to ask people to wear a mask. All it takes is one asymptomatic person to pass COVID-19. The loss in productivity from that will be more than anything felt from asking people (employees and customers) to wear masks. Most experts have attributed the decline of COVID-19 cases to the use of masks. Zhao recommends adopting a mask culture. In traditional office common areas, Mumm agrees that masks should be worn. With a cubicle environment, it makes sense.

Finding PPE Information for Employees

Mumm suggests utilizing resources from the CDC, Iowa Department of Public Health, Polk County Health Department and Safeguard Iowa Partnership for information on PPE.

See the entire webinar below:

 

 

COVID-19 resources can be found at polkcountyiowa.gov.

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates as well. See more on COVID-19 here.