Students who are back in the classroom are typically required to wear face masks. | Pixabay
Students who are back in the classroom are typically required to wear face masks. | Pixabay
General Motors is donating 2 million masks to protect students returning to the classroom in Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is great news for our students, educators and support staff who need access to face masks to protect themselves and their families,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, according to the General Motors website. “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. 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.”
GM’s donation includes 750,000 child-size masks for elementary school children across the state and 1.25 million masks for high school students, teachers and administrators.
Delivery of the masks is planned by Monday, Sept. 28.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, wearing a mask reduces a person’s chances of contracting the virus by 70%.
“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, according to the General Motors website. “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.”
Schools in Michigan began reopening in September -- some with virtual at-home learning, other districts with a hybrid combination of in-person and virtual instruction, and others that plan to transition from virtual to in-person later in the year.
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