New York City and the state are calling on the federal government to provide medical supplies and are even asking private companies to help during the coronavirus outbreak.

Two companies from the Brooklyn Navy Yard were prepared to close their doors for the foreseeable future, until they realized they could help.

Bednark Studio and Duggal Vision teamed up to create face shields for first responders.

"Last week I was laying off staff, shutting down my factory and on Saturday afternoon we started developing a face shield that we got approved by the DOH with all materials we use in our shop," said Michael Bednark.

It officially opened Wednesday with an event space being converted for manufacturing. The 465 workers are all volunteers.

As people enter the building, they have to get their temperature checked and be sanitized. About 120,000 shields will be out by Tuesday with the first shipment of 50,000 heading out Saturday.

MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond 
TRACKER: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coronavirus cases and deaths