Broome To Distribute Thousands of Government Masks to Residents

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar says plans are being worked out for distributing thousands of cloth facial coverings for residents who need them.

A week after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced all New Yorkers would have to wear masks or facial coverings when going out in public where physical distancing of 6 feet can’t be maintained, localities are starting to receive supplies from the state and federal government to be distributed to the general public.

Previous supplies had been reserved for medical personnel and first-responders.  Over the past week, people have been scrambling to try to comply with the Governor’s order when fabric stores are closed, masks are sold out at drug stores and even the masks for painting and shop work normally found at home improvement stores are gone.

People have been sewing and donating masks, and that is still being encouraged.  15-hundred cloth face coverings have been donated at the county collection site at the Oakdale Mall. Local dry cleaners have volunteered to clean and sanitize those donations in preparation of their distribution to the public.

68,000 masks have been received this week in the government shipment.

Garnar says he expects a distribution plan will be set by the end of the week.

For now, residents can call 211 for information about getting a mask as well as other services like where to get food or questions about health or other services.