One of the requirements for the reopening of businesses throughout the state is that employees wear facial coverings and that could pose an issue for smaller companies that would have to try to purchase masks for workers and even customers in some cases.

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Barnaby Chambers
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In the Southern Tier, small businesses and not-for-profits are getting some help.

Thousands of masks are being distributed to front line small businesses and not-for-profits thanks to donations by the Binghamton Rotary Charities, COVID-19 Community Response Fund and an anonymous donor. 

11,000 masks are going out in Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware, Tompkins, Otsego and Cortland Counties for employees to safely conduct operations.

Masks will be allocated to businesses, ideally with 50 employees or less and non-profits with a demonstrated need for 3-ply masks for their employees in order to safely conduct operations.

Local Emergency Services officials and New York State Police are assisting in the distribution of the masks in the seven Southern Tier Counties.

The Binghamton Rotary Charities fund is still accepting money to help fund future rounds of mask allocations.  Donations can be sent to the Binghamton Rotary Charities Fund at PO Box 1330, Binghamton, New York 13902 or at www.binghmtonrotary64.com.

TAKE A LOOK: Even Broome County Statues Are Wearing Face Masks

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