“Residents Understand Importance of Minimizing Coronavirus Spread”

Pawtucket – The City of Pawtucket and Pawtucket Police Department announced that roughly 20,000 free masks were distributed this past Saturday at the parking lot across from Pawtucket City Hall. The event served hundreds of individuals in a three-hour span.

“Health experts have determined that masks are critical as we minimize the spread of the coronavirus, and it is important that residents have access to these masks. The larger than anticipated distribution shows that residents understand the importance of minimizing the coronavirus spread,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I thank the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Boston (TECO Boston), the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the Pawtucket Central Falls Health Equity Zone, and our hardworking officers for helping to get the 20,000 masks in the hands of our residents.”

The City and Department thanked TECO Boston who donated over 10,000 masks through the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the Pawtucket Central Falls Health Equity Zone who donated 4,000 masks. The rest of the masks were purchased by the City.

“This was a great community effort and we are glad to be able to assist,” said Acting Public Safety Director and Police Chief Tina Goncalves. “We understand that masks are not easily accessible to all of our residents and will continue to do our part to serve our community.”

Officers will continue to hand out free masks to residents not wearing them.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2020
Contact: Wil Arboleda
401-728-0500 ext. 358