District to distribute reusable cloth masks, donated by the Orange County Executive’s office, on May 8

lady stuffing masks into bagsMinisink Valley will begin distributing its share of reusable cloth masks, donated to Orange-Ulster BOCES by the County Executive’s office, on May 8.

The donated masks are for residents to utilize when they need to go out in public. Orange County shipped 63,000 cloth surgical masks to Orange Ulster-BOCES for distribution to the county’s 17 school districts.

The masks will initially be given to students and their families who are in a district’s school breakfast/lunch program, according to the county executive’s office.

“These masks will help students and their families remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said in a statement. “Orange County remains committed to working to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our residents from the illness. Taking preventative measures such as wearing a mask, washing your hands often and practicing social distancing are important safeguards that will help us weather this storm. Working together we will get through this crisis.”

County exec Steve NeuhausFamilies will receive a packet of five masks, which can be worn for a few days and then can be washed.

The masks can be utilized for about 15 wash cycles, before they should be discarded.

“We appreciate County Executive Neuhaus’ donation to our school community,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “We’re equally happy to facilitate the distribution of the masks and thank our food service staff for helping to make this happen and our transportation team for delivering them.  We have a great group of people who are working hard every day to ensure our identified families receive breakfasts and lunches. Being able to add these masks is an additional way Minisink Valley — and the county — puts the health and safety of our students and their families first and foremost.”