Cook County Coronavirus: 240K Masks Donated To First Responders

COOK COUNTY, IL—Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the distribution of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) to south suburban first responders.

During Tuesday's news conference, she said the U.S. Department of Defense in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently provided 240,000 N95 masks to help protect first responders in her area.

“Because of these masks, our first responders will have a critical layer of protection against the virus and will be able to safeguard us all," Preckwingle said. "We must ensure these emergency workers continue to have the resources and equipment needed to protect themselves while performing their duties."

The latest announcement, made at the county’s emergency operation center (EOC) in Oak Forest, is a continuation of the county’s efforts to distribute the essential equipment to emergency responders during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, Preckwinkle said the county has distributed 700,000 personal protection equipment to police officers, firefighters and other emergency workers.

“While it takes a county to respond to the pandemic, our first responders are on the front lines of this battle,” said William Barnes, Executive Director of the Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. “Recognizing the important role they play, Cook County is doing all that it can to support these brave men and women.”

Cook County has distributed PPE to more than 120 of its 135 municipalities, according to county officials. This includes N95 protective masks, surgical masks and gloves, protective gowns and coveralls, eye protection, face shields, infection control kits and head and shoe covers.

For more information and resources about Cook County’s response to COVID-19, visit the webpage or subscribe to text alerts by texting “AlertCook” to 888-777.

Cook County News Conference Video: