Queens Chamber Has Over 500K Free Masks For Small Biz

On June 22, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) sent the Queens Chamber of Commerce a free shipment of over 500,000 protective face masks to be picked up by Queens businesses starting on June 23. The masks were sent to the Chamber as part of a citywide effort to distribute more than four million face coverings to small businesses and their employees as the New York City economy reopens. The Chamber had previously distributed 200,000 face masks as part of this initiative.

“NYC means business. Our small businesses are tough, resilient and they are coming back,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “I am actively working to ensure that small businesses in all five boroughs get the support they need so each of our business owners can continue to contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of our economy.”

“We thank the NYC Department of Small Business Services for their gracious donation – and we are honored to serve as the central distribution hub for Queens businesses,” said Thomas J. Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are the backbone of Queens and they have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, here in the epicenter of the epicenter of the pandemic. It is essential that we help them navigate this reopening safely, so we can get Queens back to business.”

Participating businesses received five masks per employee, plus a flyer in numerous languages to direct both employers and workers to further resources and guidance on safety measures and the reopening effort, courtesy of SBS.

For more information on how small businesses throughout New York City can still receive free masks, visit: www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/free-face-coverings/