The New York City Parks Department and Council Member Rory Lancman have teamed up to bring masks to the Kew Gardens Hills community. Packs of five masks at one pack per family were handed out at the Mauro Playground on Park Drive East and 73rd Terrace between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. The line may have looked long but was fast moving. The program will resume at this location on Monday, May 11, from 10 a.m. until noon.
Mayor de Blasio announced plans this past Thursday to supply 100,000 face coverings to keep New Yorkers remaining safe. The program was designed to focus on hard-hit communities and the busiest parks.
De Blasio acknowledged that some forget their face guards at home, and others may not own one, but encouraged all to keep their mouths and noses hidden in public, especially as the weather becomes warmer.
More than 1,000 city employees were tasked with patrolling public spaces, while handing out another 275,000 face coverings.
New Yorkers are required by law to wear a face covering when out in public and social distancing is not feasible.