BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new mask decontamination site in Somerville is ready to start cleaning personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System in Somerville is the first in the state. The multi-part system is located inside a former K-Mart building on Assembly Row, and is now ready to clean up to 80,000 face masks per day for local frontline workers.
Gov. Baker and Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone spoke to the press on Saturday after touring the facility. Baker said Curtatone had "moved heaven and earth" to ensure the Batelle site could be set up.
According to Battelle, an Ohio-based chemical defense contractor, the CCD System will be "offered at no charge to healthcare providers in an effort to help protect the workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Baker also announced up to 3,000 more members of the Massachusetts National Guard will be activated, in order to assist in the coronavirus response. He said grocery store workers will also be able to make appointments at two drive-thru coronavirus testing facilities designated for frontline workers, at Gillette Stadium and the Big E Fairground.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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