Arlington, Tarrant County and Partners Distribute Free Protective Masks to Businesses

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication

Posted on May 06, 2020, May 06, 2020

The City of Arlington, Tarrant County and several partner organizations teamed up Wednesday to distribute thousands of protective face masks in an effort to help businesses reopening to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic do so safely.

The Texas Rangers, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau and Downtown Arlington Management Corporation partnered with the City and Tarrant County to hand out boxes of protective masks for free to Arlington businesses and restaurants. Tarrant County generously provided the 250,000 disposable masks, which were given on a first-come, first-serve basis Wednesday near Globe Life Field.

“As part of our city’s recovery, we want our business community to be able to open safely and responsibly and make sure the customers they serve are well protected and feel safe,” said Deputy City Manager Jim Parajon. “Due to our wonderful partnership with Tarrant County, we are now going to deliver these protective masks out to the business community in Arlington. We think that is a small way for the City to assist businesses as they start to open.”

Kimberly White, an employee with Ameri-Tech Kidney Center Arlington, was among hundreds of people who participated in the mask giveaway event. She said her business needs masks for dialysis patients and nurses. 

“This will help a lot. We’ve had to wear one mask for a week because we have a shortage. The nurses are going to be over the moon,” White said. “The City of Arlington is amazing. I’ve lived here 32 years, they are always doing something for the community.”