Free masks were given to Oneida County residents today as the county executive order requiring everyone to wear masks in public is now in effect.
The county-wide executive order is now in effect.
Those who don't have masks were provided some today..for free.
Newschannel 2's violet scibor has our story tonight.
Vo .
None .
None free masks were given out to residents of oneida county today.
One package of 5 masks was given to each family.
The best thing about these masks is that they are made of cloth, which means they are washable and reusable.
Many people were excited to get them.... sot "i'm a health fanatic and it's always good to be clean, sanitary, gloves, mask, anything that you could use to help prevent it."
Vo these free masks were given out at the oneida county office building in utica and the social services building in rome from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The county made the process very easy... sot "here i go.
I got my masks.
There's 5 of them not 4.
And it's very easy, they just ask your name, how many family is in your family, your phone number, and you just come and pick up a mask."
Vo and this is all thanks to the county, helping to enforce this new order by providing masks to those who don't have enough for their families.
Sot "the county executive has given us a chance today to come out and give out some free masks to our citizens here in oneida county.
So as you can see, there have been a lot of people that have come through."
Vo some of them are utica residents, others traveled a good distance just to get these masks.
Sot "where are you from?
Bridgewater.
Bridgewater?
Yeah.
So you came all the way downere frobridgewa.
Yeahwe sure d.
Why?
Cause we figurewe needed protection a we're gointo try it."
Vo but everyone was here for the same reason.
To keep their family safe.
By wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home if possible.
Standup "and if your family needs a free package of masks and you missed the one today at the oneida county office building in utica.
The county is also planning another free mask drop off in the near future and we will keep you posted with those dates.
Reporting in utica, i'm violet scibior for newschannel 2."
> right outside of the oneida
Oneida County is handing out 50,000 masks at county office buildings, as well as Walmart locations in Utica, New Hartford and Rome.