NY state senators each get 1,000 masks, 1,000 COVID test kits for districts

State Sen. John Mannion held a giveaway. In a neighboring district, state Sen. Pam Helming made deliveries at select nonprofit organizations. 

That's how two state senators in central New York and the Finger Lakes region distributed the 1,000 KN95 masks and 1,000 COVID-19 test kits they received for their districts. A state Senate spokesperson confirmed that each of the 63 senators received the same allotment of masks and test kits. 

Mannion, D-Geddes, organized a giveaway event at the Baldwinsville YMCA in the 50th state Senate District. His office required appointments for constituents to pick up the masks and the kits, which contain two COVID-19 tests. The appointments were necessary to avoid long lines at the YMCA and prevent traffic jams. 

According to an advisory from Mannion's office, half of the masks and test kits were distributed at the event. The remaining masks and test kits will be delivered to programs serving seniors and individuals with disabilities. 

Mannion told The Citizen that his office set up the giveaway within the last three days. His staff contacted constituents to inform them of the mask and test distribution event and scheduled appointments for them to pick up the masks and kits. 

"We want to help," he said. "People have been through a lot. Some people are looking for tests. You have groups of people that it's more challenging for them and it's important for some of them to be tested frequently to keep themselves safe. It's really a wonderful thing to be able to do this." 

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