The Trump administration announced on Thursday that they will distribute millions of masks to the transportation industry to support workers during as the Coronavirus crisis wears on.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) says that they will distribute 15.5 million cloth facial coverings secured by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Of those 15.5 million masks, 2.1 million have been earmarked for workers in the highway and motor carrier industry.
Other industries receiving the masks include the Mass Transit and Passenger Rail, Aviation, Maritime, Freight Rail, and Pipeline sectors.
DOT says that the masks will be distributed via the U.S. Postal Service in the coming weeks.
“Transportation workers are on the frontlines of keeping our transportation systems operational during this public health emergency and their wellbeing and safety is paramount,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
In late April and early May, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and DOT coordinated to distribute 1 million masks at various locations nationwide and directly to motor carriers.