Coronavirus: State to receive 9 million face masks from FEMA

Ohio K-12 students required to wear a mask to school

Ohio K-12 students required to wear a mask to school
Local News
By Micah Karr
Sept 1, 2020
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency donated 9 million masks to Ohio, which the Ohio EMA will deliver to the state departments of health, education, and job and family services.

FEMA donated these masks to Ohio as part of a new mask program. FEMA provided an initial 2 million face masks for Ohio school districts early last month. The masks, which are KN-95 non-medical grade face masks, are being provided at no cost to Ohio, a release from the state said.

ExploreCoronavirus: Ohio reports highest amount of daily cases since July

Here is how the masks will be distributed:

  • 4 million will go to the Ohio Department of Education for all Ohio schools, including public, private, charter, parochial and career centers
  • 2 million will go to programs and organizations that serve vulnerable populations
  • 1 million masks will go to the Ohio Department of Higher Education
  • 144,00 will go to the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services for daycare providers
  • The rest of the masks will be stored until they are needed, the state reported.

“As we fight this pandemic, we must continue to focus on the most vulnerable and make sure they have the resources they need to prevent and respond to disease, said Lance Himes, Ohio Department of Health interim director. “Masks have proven to be a lifesaving tool, one that must be made available to everyone, regardless of income, age, race, ethnicity, or background. I am grateful that both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Ohio EMA recognize the importance of helping us protect each and every Ohioan from the devastating effects of COVID-19. Such priorities help make our communities stronger, ease hardship, and move us toward our goal of ensuring that no one is left behind.”

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About the Author

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Micah Karr, a Beavercreek native has been on a breaking news desk since 2019. She has been part of Ohio Newspapers' Breaking News Team since March 2020 and has enjoyed every minute of it. She is a graduate of Wright State's Media Studies program. Before she worked with Cox Media, she wrote for Wright State's Newsroom.