Westchester County has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle to distribute 1200 child-sized masks to kids returning to in-person after-school programs this fall. The mask distribution is part of an ongoing effort by Westchester County to protect children who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “After-school programs are vital to the academic success of our students. These masks are part of the continued safety protocols the County is pursuing to keep children safe and healthy while they socialize and learn.”
Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle Mascaro Clubhouse Director William Iannuzzi said: “We’re creating another layer of safety for our members to end this pandemic. We want to make sure each of us is happy and safe at our site and we want to thank Westchester County for helping us to achieve that.”
Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements said: “I would like to thank the County Executive, George Latimer, for providing masks for children. This will keep our youngest residents safe during indoor activities. It is my hope, a vaccine for children will be approved soon. But until then, masks prevent children from becoming ill.”
New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said: "We are grateful for the County's continuing leadership in promoting public health and meeting the challenge of the COVID pandemic. These masks will help ensure that youngsters in New Rochelle are able to learn and play, without placing their own health and the health of their families at greater risk."
The County has procured more than 200,000 child-sized masks for students up to 12 years old. The New Rochelle Boys and Girls Club requested the masks to be used at 13 sites throughout Westchester County including Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Ossining. The organization currently serves 700 children throughout the County.
Masks have already been delivered to: Rye Neck UFSD, Croton-Harmon UFSD, White Plains CSD, Somers CSD, Pleasantville UFSD, Dobbs Ferry SD, Yorktown CSD, UFSD Tarrytowns, Greenburgh-North Castle UFSD, Pelham Schools, Ossining UFSD, Mount Pleasant CSD, Byram Hills CSD, Bedford CSD, Blind Brook Schools. Elmsford UFSD, Port Chester UFSD, Bronxville School District, Scarsdale Schools, Mamaroneck Union Free School District and Harrison Central School District.