State officials in partnership with two of Connecticut’s largest business groups launched a program to supply essential small businesses with free face masks in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Gov. Ned Lamont on Saturday said the initiative between the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and its affiliate CONNSTEP will distribute up to two free face coverings per employee for essential businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The state defines eligible essential small businesses here.
The offer follows the governor’s recent executive order requiring face coverings to be worn in essential businesses, or whenever social distancing is not possible. It also comes as the state last week replenished its critical personal protective equipment [PPE] supplies, which included more than 4 million face masks, Lamont said.
In particular, the governor announced that Raytheon Technologies Corp. donated $3 million to the state to buy and transport PPE for medical personnel and first responders.
“The more proactive measures we can take to prevent the spread of this virus and keep everyone healthy, the sooner we’ll be able to reopen operations,” Lamont said in a statement.
Eligible essential small businesses can request free face masks by filling out ordering forms here.
Lamont’s office said requested masks will be distributed sometime this week through the town or city in which the business is located. The local municipality will then contact businesses with information about where and when to receive the requested masks. Distribution will continue while supplies last, officials say.
