General Motors will deliver 2 million masks for kids and educators.
The delivery will take place in mid-September and consist of 750,000 child-sized masks and 1.25 million adult masks.
“This is great news for our students, educators and support staff who need access to face masks to protect themselves and their families. Until there is a vaccine, it’s crucial that all Michiganders continue to mask up, and we are working around the clock to ensure everyone has access to a mask,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful for GM’s partnership and dedication to protecting our students and educators during this time, and I look forward to working with everyone who wants to help us provide masks to our most vulnerable populations.”
Masks are proven to reduce a person’s chance of spreading COVID-19 by up to 70 percent according to Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services director, Robert Gordon. GM says that there is also growing evidence that masks can protect the wearer’s life by reducing the severity of COVID if they are infected.
We know many teachers, parents and students are focused on the challenges of returning to school this fall,” said Gerald Johnson, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing. “At GM, we are proud to play a small part in making the transition easier by providing face masks to the Michigan schools that need them most.”
General Motors has been producing as many as 3 million masks per month since May. General Motors produces a variety of masks, and some are respirators that are N95-certified. GM says that in total date, the company has produced more than 10 million masks, with production going to employees at GM facilities or donated to community organizations.