Fairfield Schools Donate 1,000 Masks To Aid Coronavirus Shortage

FAIRFIELD, CT — Local emergency crews recently received roughly 1,000 face masks to help them stay safe as the new coronavirus continues its spread across Connecticut.

The equipment was donated by Fairfield Public Schools after a teacher suggested the N95 masks included in lockdown backpacks in each classroom might be more immediately useful if given to first responders. An N95 mask shortage has been widely reported as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has grown exponentially at the local level and across the nation.

“Anne May, who teaches science at Fairfield Woods (Middle School), initiated this idea,” Superintendent Mike Cummings said in an email Wednesday. “All credit to her and to (Executive Director of Operations Angelus) Papageorge and the maintenance staff for responding so quickly.”

District custodians and maintenance workers collected the masks and school officials coordinated with many first response agencies to determine their needs, according to Papageorge.

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The N95 masks protect healthcare and emergency response providers from airborne and fluid hazards associated with the new coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Saturday, there were 21 confirmed cases of the virus in Fairfield, according to state data, one of which was fatal. Across Fairfield County, 908 cases had been confirmed as of Saturday.

The coronavirus has drastically affected day-to-day life in Fairfield. Public recreation areas are closed, while schools and many non-essential businesses have shut their doors and moved online. Town operations have changed as well. Some town employees are working remotely and certain services are now available only by appointment.

The school district is assisting the town as it adapts to the impact of the virus, Papageorge said in an email. District staff have been working with the Department of Public Works to disinfect town buildings and school custodians have helped clean the police station and patrol cars.