FEMA Sending 9 Million Masks To Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio will receive 9 million face masks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Many of the newly received masks will be sent to schools and daycares, with 2 million going to organizations that serve vulnerable populations. These masks are KN-95s, non-medical grade face masks, according to FEMA and Ohio EMA.

“Ohio schools are working hard to keep students and staff members as safe as possible during the transition back to school,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria. “In fact, some schools already have reopened and this infusion of masks will go a long way toward helping protect everyone involved in the process. These masks will help to ensure healthy practices and position schools to have a safe start to the new academic year.”

According to Ohio EMA officials, the masks will be distributed as follows:

• 4 million masks will go to the Ohio Department of Education for all Ohio schools (public, private, charter, parochial, and career centers);
• 144,000 will go to Ohio Department of Job & Family Services for daycare providers;
• 2 million will go to programs and organizations that serve vulnerable populations; and
• 1 million will go to Ohio Department of Higher Education

Approximately 2 million masks will be held in storage, until needed.

“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 Interim Director of Lance Himes, Ohio Department of Health. “Masks have proven to be a lifesaving tool, one that must be made available to everyone, regardless of income, age, race, ethnicity, or background."

FEMA will deliver 4.5 million masks this week, with the rest of the shipment coming later.