Thousands of free masks were handed out on Wednesday to small businesses. It’s the City of Austin’s latest effort to slow the omicron surge.
“We’re looking at this as an opportunity to make sure that businesses and employees are making that choice to stay safe,” said Veronica Samo with the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department.
Austin’s push to get more people to mask up brought a steady stream of cars to two drive-thru distribution sites. The city’s new COVID-19 order now requires businesses to post a sign at each entrance that says “Wear a Mask.” To help businesses comply, 96,000 free surgical masks were handed out Wednesday afternoon. That breaks down to each business getting 250 masks. Businesses taking advantage of the offer ranged from tax preparers to landscapers to the managers of bars and clubs.
“We still have clients walking up without a mask on,” said Graci Martinez who works in a tax preparer’s office.
“I just needed more masks,” said Marcos Anicua who runs Double A&A Services. “A dear friend just passed away January 6th this year and they said it was COVID related.”
“We like to have them for the employees and for guests who come to the bar and want to mask but don’t have one,” said Celeste Martin who manages the Continental Club.
For many local small businesses, keeping employees and customers safe is an added expense when revenues are already down.
“Any help we can get from the city, from the government is greatly appreciated,” said Martinez.
Business owners and managers say the omicron surge has increased demand for masks as well as the number of people wearing their own.
“A lot of people bring their own, but in case they don’t have it then we’ll have it for them,” said Martin. “I think they’re starting to take it seriously now.”
Wednesday’s mask distribution is a one-time event, but if there is enough demand organizers say it could be repeated.