BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Saturday, about 1,000 volunteers will fan out across the City of Boston, carrying printed materials in a plethora of languages to help residents understand coronavirus precautions.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made the announcement at a press conference Friday afternoon, updating the city on the measures his administration was taking to battle the spread of COVID-19.
"The city of Boston, along with elected officials and community organizations and community groups, are gonna be gathering in different locations," Walsh said. "Fewer than 25 people in every location."
Walsh said they don't need more volunteers, and others should not show up to help.
The volunteers will explain what's expected of Bostonians when it comes to social distancing.
The mayor said he's spoken to the heads of all medical outlets in the city, and they say the need supplies. Walsh asked construction companies to pitch in to help.
"We're looking for masks and we're looking for respirators," Walsh said. "Many of the companies that do asbestos abatement, that work on molds, that do general demolition, you have that equipment, some of it's on your shelf. So we're asking you right now, the most important use for that equipment is to make sure that we get it in the hands of our medical professionals who are saving lives."
In Boston, Walsh reminded residents, you can call 311 to donate equipment.
Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals have to get to work, and Mayor Walsh is asking commercial parking garages to help.
"In response, about a dozen have agreed to reserve spaces and lower their rates for medical staff," Walsh said. "I wanna thank those garages for doing that, and we're going to be looking for more spaces in and around hospitals so that folks have places to park."
Walsh said BlueBikes are offering a free 30-day pass to all medical personnel, too.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports
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(Photo: Karyn Regal/WBZ NewsRadio)