The coronavirus pandemic has impacted just about every aspect of people’s lives. Leaving the house now means remembering to bring a mask, and people can no longer take part in social gatherings the way they once did. As for shul, many are holding their minyanim outdoors, with indoor minyanim following strict rules so that social distancing can be maintained.
But what about people in shuls and businesses looking for some extra protection? Enter CDC Solutions.
Created by Teaneck native Elliot Small, CDC Solutions LLC is a new company offering plexiglass shields for those looking for that extra level of protection. The shields are custom made, with installation included in the purchase. They can be placed around bimas in shuls, restaurant counters or even around desks in offices or schools.
In addition to the shields, CDC Solutions offers a host of sanitizing, deodorizing and cleaning products. They have access to nanotechnology for antimicrobial film that can be applied to just about any surface, freeing clients of COVID concerns for up to 90 days. They have all types of custom signage recommended by federal and state agencies, and are involved with the creators of a pop-up student barrier that is easily mobile and will be brought to market shortly. They are also the only New Jersey-recognized distributors of the Shabbat-friendly thermometers.
Small created the business after having the virus himself, experiencing its harshness and coming out on the other side, and he is eager to do whatever it takes to ensure that others will not have to experience what he did. As he explained, the virus was an arduous experience that he wouldn’t wish on anyone.
“It was awful, having the virus,” Small shared with The Jewish Link. “It strips you down to your core and makes everything so difficult. By the end of it, it was just a relief to be able to start feeling better again. People nowadays take their health for granted, and it’s only when that’s taken away that you really gain a special appreciation for life and personal health. I’m talking from experience when I say that this virus is no joke and must be taken seriously. Now that I’m better, I wanted to do something that would prevent others from having to go through what I did. The shields along with the other items we offer are how I found I could do that best.”
Small previously helped start a boutique real estate development and management firm, overseeing its progress, and he drew on his experience in developing CDC Solutions. While going through COVID-19, he started doing research on the virus, trying to find ways to protect people against it. Around that time he also started thinking about his grandchildren who would soon be heading back to school.
“I was concerned for their protection,” Small continued. “Because even with all the safety precautions I knew their schools were going to be taking, there was still that fear in the back of my head that something could always happen. Knowing that they were being sent off, it really had me thinking. I knew that if I was going to be developing these shields, they’d have to be as safe as I’d want them to be if they were being used to protect my own grandkids. I’m happy to report that the shields are very much up for the task.”
Plexiglass shields—when used in conjunction with face masks—have been shown to be effective against the coronavirus.
“When I was putting CDC Solutions together and doing research, I called the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, and they would ask me why I had so many questions,” Small said. “I would tell them it was because I wanted to do this right and make sure that what I was starting would be as effective as possible. I wouldn’t be able to sleep well at night knowing that what I was advising wasn’t up to par. These shields and products in our arsenal are exactly how they need to be, and I am proud to know that they’re going to protect people.”
CDC Solutions is constantly seeking new ideas that will provide a greater level of comfort and safety in this ever-evolving situation. To learn more, or for any questions, visit https://www.cdcsolutionsllc.com, or email Small at [email protected] or call him at either 201-835-3037 or 917-670-1415.
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
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