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North Charleston to distribute 15,000 masks

Staff Report //June 29, 2020//

North Charleston to distribute 15,000 masks

Staff Report //June 29, 2020//

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North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey talks to a group of Future 1st Responders during a public event last week outside North Charleston City Hall. Summey is urging residents to wear masks, and the city plans to distribute thousands this week. (Photo/North Charleston)

Saying the “mild inconvenience” of wearing a mask could be a livesaving act, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said the city was preparing to distribute thousands of masks in an effort to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

North Charleston police officers plan to distribute 15,000 face coverings at 11 locations from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, the city said in a news release. The police department’s resource officers and firefighters also will work in the community to distribute the masks, the city said.

The effort is to find individuals who might not have access to face masks, particularly in vulnerable communities, the city said.

“If we are going to be serious about combating COVID-19 in the Lowcountry, we have to continue to put our words into action and ensure that our citizens have the necessary tools to keep them and their loved ones safe,” Summey said in a news release.

Summey said that leaders and community members had to listen to doctors and scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“If we want our kids and grandkids to return to school in August, if we want to return to church and Bible study, if we want our spectator sports back, it’s going to take everyone doing their part,” Summey said. “The mild inconvenience of wearing a face covering could save a life.”

The city said individuals or organizations interested in donating face coverings or money for the effort can call 843-740-2504.

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