TRSA associate member EDRO Corp., East Berlin, CT, recently detailed the laundry operations that power USNS Comfort, a Military Sealift Command hospital ship that arrived at New York Harbor’s Pier 90 on March 30 to give surge capacity to New York City’s overwhelmed hospital system as it reeled under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a news release.

To do its part amid the coronavirus pandemic, Riegel Linen is now manufacturing masks in addition to surgical towels, sheeting and mattress pads for existing and new customers. Known nationwide for its sheeting, terry and table linen products for hotels and restaurants, the hospitality textile manufacturer also is helping the local community, according to a news release.

The latest edition of TRSA’s Weekly Industry Update, a special webinar that airs each Thursday to apprise TRSA members of COVID-19 pandemic developments, targeted reopening restaurants with a pitch to help lure wary diners back by encouraging the use of hygienically clean table linens and workwear.

Earlier this year, Penn Emblem Co. Inc., Trevose, PA, collected gently used towels, sheets and other garments to donate to local crafters to aid wildlife organizations following Australia’s bush fires. After the overwhelming response Australian wildlife organizations received from generous crafters worldwide, they halted production and shipments. Rather than letting these supplies sit idle, local partner crafters started using the donated material from Penn Emblem to create face masks for healthcare workers amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to a news release.

As the curve begins to flatten, and the world moves from a “reactive” to a “recovery” state of mind, organizations need to look at what’s next. TRSA recently hosted a webinar, titled “Restart … a Return to Business,” that discussed staffing issues, inventory and merchandise concerns, as well as potential financial impacts.