The Town of Babylon, in cooperation with the Industrial Development Agency and local North Amityville manufacturer, L3Harris Technologies, will donate 1,000 face shields to Babylon barber shops and hair salons. This distribution of this crucial Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is part of the “Babylon Is Back” program, the Town’s innovative initiative to help businesses get back to work as quickly as possible while protecting employees and customers alike. As a part of the New York Forward Phase 2 re-opening, which is anticipated to begin on Wednesday, June 10, barbers and hairdressers will be required to wear a face mask and a face shield and get tested within two weeks of starting work.
“The Town is happy to make these face shields available to all Babylon barber shops and salons,” said Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “It’s great to see businesses reopen safely, but particularly barbers and hairdressers. I want to thank Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, the Industrial Development Agency, and especially L3Harris for making this possible for these business owners.”
During the NY Pause order from Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Town of Babylon Industrial Development Agency supported clients that switched to PPE like face shields. Industrial Development Agency CEO Tom Dolan said, “The Babylon is Back program is underway and we are happy to support our barber shops and hair salons with this free face shield distribution made possible due to L3Harris generous donation. We know that there is a strong need for PPE during this health and economic crisis so we will continue to encourage clients to manufacture such equipment for our residents and local business owners.”
“L3Harris is honored to be donating these 1,000 face shields to support the Babylon is Back initiative in helping local businesses to get back to work safely,” said Ted Damaskinos, General Manager, Release Systems and Antenna Technology Division, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. “In addition, we’re supporting New York’s state-wide economic recovery through a series of initiatives to assist small business suppliers, bolster the state’s workforce, and expand innovation. These initiatives reflect L3Harris’ commitment to support our employees, customers, suppliers and communities throughout New York and nationwide.”
Licensed barbers shops and hair salons within the Town will each receive seven face shield each to better prepare them for re-opening under New York Forward Phase 2. The Town encourages shop owners who require more supplies to fill out the form located at babylonisback.com. Each barbershop and hair salon requesting additional equipment will have to provide a license for each staff member. Individual professionals may apply if an employer is unable to provide a face shield. A copy of each staffer’s professional license will be needed, and designated delivery will be communicated to applicants. The shops must be located in the Town of Babylon and the reusable face shields are limited to one per professional and until supply lasts.