BOSTON — The MBTA has announced a new partnership with the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Patriot Place to distribute masks and hand sanitizer in the fight against COVID-19.
The organizations recently donated 2,500 face masks and 5,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to distribute to MBTA riders.
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Dr. Jacqueline N. Chu of Massachusetts General Hospital tweeted to Governor Baker, Mayor Walsh, and the MBTA about the need for better enforcement of mask-wearing.
Under Governor Baker’s order, all riders and employees should be wearing masks at all times both on the trains and in the stations.
Bessie Szum, a nurse who rides the T, says people still need to be vigilant about mask-wearing.
“We still have to be very diligent in hand hygiene, social distancing, and being thoughtful about being in areas that are going to make you susceptible and I think it’s due diligence. We’re almost there,” said Szum.
Riders who do not wear a mask could be fined by transit police.
Mayor Walsh issued a statement in response to the incident on the same day the city hit a grim milestone.
State guidance requires a mask or face covering to be worn in all public places. In Boston, we have continuously pleaded with people to not only wear a mask, but avoid gatherings, wash your hands regularly, and get tested periodically. We know this has been a challenging year for so many, so we’ve opted to support people, not punish them, by providing resources that educate the public about what’s best for their family, their community, and overall public health.
— Mayor Marty Walsh
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On Wednesday morning, the official announcement on the campaign was released.
“The health and safety of our riders and employees continue to be our top priorities during these challenging times,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The MBTA greatly appreciates this contribution from the Patriots, Revolution, and Patriot Place as we strive to provide safe, essential transit services to those who rely on buses and trains.”
The Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place said the organization is proud to support the campaign.
We are proud to support the MBTA’s Ride Safer program to help meet the ongoing needs for masks and hand sanitizer in our surrounding communities. We are thankful to continue our strong partnership with the MBTA by teaming up on this great initiative to keep members of our communities safe and healthy.
— Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place
The campaign consists of three components:
- Providing face coverings to riders in ned at key stations during peak travel times
- Signage and messaging to promote the importance of keeping a safe distance
- Wearing face coverings while on the T
More information about the initiative can be found here.
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