Chosen Solution

where are cheap durable sources of covers for cellphones and iPads. Using heavy duty aluminum foil for now

Peter Kelly not sure where you are going with this type of question or what your plan is, but get a Faraday Bag like these.

I think you’re reaching here. The easier way is just turn off notifications within the settings and Apps. You can go farther by turning off WiFi & Bluetooth services but at that point you are loosing the main function of the iPad. A faraday cage approach has its limits! As soon as you take the cover off to use your phone or iPad you’re exposed to WiFi & Bluetooth connections (unless you have everything turned off - Airplane mode). If you’ve turned off all of the wireless services then you don’t need a faraday cage as its isolated at that point.