Agenda Text
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That the Administration acquire 200,000 KF94 or KN95 masks and develop a plan within 14 days to distribute them to residents, with priorities outlined within.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: The public health experts continue to recommend masking to prevent spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville received more than $77 million in Local Relief Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for the purpose of combating the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: Numerous public health experts now recommend people wear KN95 and N95 masks given the proliferation of transmission of the Omicron Variant; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That this City Council calls on the Administration to acquire 200,000 KF94 or KN95 masks approved by the National Institution for Occupational Safety and Health and to develop a plan within 14 days to distribute KF94 or KN95 masks to residents; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That this Council calls on the Administration to urgently work to distribute KF94 or KN95 masks to all residents, prioritizing groups including municipal and school workers, essential workers such as groceries store workers, public school students, individuals at higher risk of contracting severe COVID-19, residents in congregate living configurations (nursing homes, crowded housing conditions, etc.), and residents for whom purchase of a KF94 or KN95 mask presents a financial burden.