NOLABA Secures 52,000 Masks to Distribute to Local Businesses to Assist with Phase 2 Reopening

Written by nolaba on June 23, 2020. Posted in Press Releases.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 23, 2020

Media Contacts:
Elle Schmidt
elle@thespearsgroup.com
419.571.7690

Victoria Adams Phipps
vphipps@nolaba.org
305.790.7825

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) has secured 52,000 face coverings to help address the needs of local business owners and their employees as New Orleans proceeds with Phase 2 of reopening. The washable and reusable masks will be divided between the Mayor’s Office and the New Orleans City Council this week for distribution to businesses in need of personal protective equipment (PPE).

As more employees are now heading back to work, and customers begin frequenting local businesses, bars, restaurants, and casinos, it is imperative that all workers feel safe and comfortable in their environments. It is still possible that New Orleans could experience several waves of future outbreaks, and with health officials continuing to cite face coverings as the most effective tool in stopping further spread, ensuring all New Orleanians have access to them will be critical in returning to a sense of normalcy. NOLABA is proud to be able to provide this much-needed support and relief to hardworking business owners, many of whom are already facing extreme challenges.

Any local business or resident in need of a mask may request them via the online registration form available at SewDat.com .

“While Phase 2 has brought with it a welcome larger re-opening for many small businesses, it also presents a whole new set of challenges for business owners as they fulfill safety requirements. We need to Mask Up as a community and small businesses are working to comply yet cannot purchase masks in bulk. NOLABA recognized the situation and worked with the City of New Orleans and New Orleans City Council to help small businesses protect their employees, customers, and each other. With the distribution of these masks, we’re easing some of their financial burdens facing our small businesses as they reopen. Collectively, as we support small businesses by patronizing them while masking up and practicing social distancing, New Orleans will continue to move closer to the light at the end of this long and dark COVID-19 tunnel,”  said NOLABA President & CEO Quentin Messer, Jr.

“As we continue to reopen our city and the local economy, it’s imperative that we ensure that our workers and those they are serving are protected. Our health officials are constantly reminding us of the importance of wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a face covering is one of the simplest, most effective ways to successfully and safely adapt to our new everyday way of life. This donation will go a long way towards protecting all of our people,” said  Mayor LaToya Cantrell .

“Reopening our city comes with a risk, and having a resurgence in cases is a real possibility. We need everyone to do their part to minimize the threat of spreading the virus, including businesses. By ensuring their employees are always wearing a face covering and following the safety measures put in place for them to slowly reopen, businesses are doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We are happy to offer any assistance to ensure they have the resources they need to help keep our residents safe,” said District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer.

“We have to continue to #MaskUpNOLA to keep our residents and businesses safe as we continue our phased reopening. A huge thank you to the New Orleans Business Alliance for both identifying and filling this need for businesses in our city,” said District “E” Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen.

“As local businesses and organizations continue to reopen their doors, it’s critical to provide them with the supplies that they need to ensure the safety of their employees and customers,”  said District “D” Councilmember Jared Brossett. “The community has done a tremendous job since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, but the more we reopen, the higher the risk becomes. I’m grateful to NOLABA for this generous donation, which will help us in our ongoing efforts to protect our families, friends, and neighbors across New Orleans.”

###

About the New Orleans Business Alliance
One of fewer than 80 Accredited Economic Development Organizations worldwide, the New Orleans Business Alliance is the official public-private partnership created to increase economic gains for the city of New Orleans. Through a direct partnership with the City of New Orleans and strong connectivity with the business community, the New Orleans Business Alliance works to ensure the economic security of all New Orleanians by diversifying the local economy, developing local talent, and expanding entrepreneurial opportunity. Through an inclusive economic development strategy, we will create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Learn more at www.nolaba.org .