The City of Norwich distributed face masks to the public. They are available for free at Nina's Pizzeria, Wild Owl Cafe, Tops Market, Dollar General, and the Norwich Post Office. (Photo from City of Norwich Facebook)

NORWICH – Last week, Chenango County received 17,000 face masks to be distributed to the public.

Norwich received some of these masks and the emergency management office distributed them to the public.

According to City Emergency Management Office Director A. Wesley Jones, the masks were first distributed to the senior housing complexes in the city. Masks were then placed at restaurants, and other businesses that are deemed essential, and have foot traffic.

Masks can be found at Nina's Pizzeria, the Wild Owl Cafe, Tops Market, Dollar Tree, and the Norwich Post Office.

According to city officials, the masks are washable and reusable. In order to ensure everyone who needs one gets one, they should be limited to one per person. The masks came to the county in packs of five, so they will not be individually wrapped.

“The intent is to get masks out to people who don't have them,” said Jones. “You don't have to shop at the store to receive a face mask, but if you already have a face mask, we're asking that you leave them for people who don't have one.”

Jones said there is a chance the county will be receiving another shipment of masks. If so there will be another distribution.

Norwich City Supervisor Robert Jeffrey and Alderman Robert Jeffrey personally distributed over 120 masks to residents in wards four, five, and six.

“We contacted some people who we thought were in need of masks and delivered them right to their home. This was aimed predominantly toward elderly and people who are more susceptible,” said Alderman Jeffery. “I think people were really excited to get the masks.”

The free masks will aid in the public's ability to follow the new mandates by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The mandate states that starting on Friday, April 17, 2020 any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance.

“Everybody should be looking out for each other. It's plain and simple, we need to look out for our neighbor and follow the guidelines and laws so we can remain happy and healthy,” said Alderman Jeffery.