NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Mayor McKinley Price is making sure frontline workers and many Newport News residents are equipped with the protective gear they need as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Mayor Price handed out face masks to first responders, essential personnel, community volunteers, vulnerable residents and younger people at different locations across the city.
The mayor said he targeted areas where people may not have the opportunity or resources to get masks. He also stopped by agencies and organizations and that need masks the most.
This distribution is a part of an initiative called the National Masks for Mayors under the United States Conference of Mayors. Price received 4,200 face masks to give to residents through this campaign.
Price visited Achievable Dream Academy, Ridley Lift and Connect Center, Boys & Girls Club, Greater Hampton Roads Club, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, Newport News Police Headquarters and Newport News Public Works Administrative Offices all day Tuesday.
"We want to make sure they understand the need, and to stay safe so we don't spread the virus," price said.
Last week, Governor Northam issued a statewide mask order for all Virginians. That means everyone must wear masks inside public places.
"I think it's not only important to have the polices we mandate for safety, but we also know people don't have the resources to handle the policies," price said. "Cities get a lot of unfunded mandates from legislators. The Governor has done what I think is needed to make sure we're safe, and all where trying to do is supplement that by making sure the people have what they need to stay safe."
The mayor stopped by Marjorie Saunders' home Tuesday morning. Saunders lives at Ridley Place in downtown Newport News. Saunders said it's hard to find masks in this area, so she's grateful the mayor is taking the lead.
"It was awesome, to have him knock on my door and giving me a mask," Saunders said. "It's different but I tell my daughter it's the new norm now."