Statewide– Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced Wednesday new resources to make personal protective equipment more accessible to businesses, nonprofits, and schools across the state, supporting efforts to get Indiana Back on Track while ensuring the health and safety of Hoosiers. “As Indiana continues to move forward, it’s important to remain diligent in health and safety practices like mask-wearing and sanitizing for the benefit of all Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said. “These initiatives are another step forward in our efforts to remove barriers to critical supplies, and we’re excited to be supporting Indiana businesses in the process as they work to bolster response and recovery across the state and around the world.”
The state is coordinating with Indiana schools and Hoosier businesses to provide critical PPE supplies for K-12 educators and students, making available 3 million reusable facemasks for students to use during the school year. Participating public, public charter and private schools across the state will receive a no-cost PPE bundle that includes reusable antibacterial cloth face masks for students (numbers based on enrollment); 500 standard size disposable face masks; 100 two- or four-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer and 10 one-gallon jugs of hand sanitizer.
The bundles, which are being planned, packaged, and shipped in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education and Indianapolis-based Langham Logistics, will leverage disposable face masks and hand sanitizer being made and sourced by Indiana companies. Supplies will be shipped beginning next week and will be sent in order of schools’ 2020-2021 start dates, helping to ensure Indiana schools have the resources needed to return to the classroom if and when they plan to do so.
Schools and school districts are encouraged to contact IDOE Chief Academic Officer Robin LeClaire at [email protected] with questions.
