NYC schools to receive PPE, cleaning supplies in 'bulk' as it prepares to open

NYC School
Photo credit Getty Images

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday promised that schools will have what they need in order to protect students and staff from COVID-19 before it opens on Sept. 10th.

Listen Live Now on 1010 WINS

According to de Blasio, schools will receive a bulk supply of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies before the year starts. Additional supplies will be provided throughout the year as needed.

"Whatever our schools need, they're going to have. We're going to send them the supplies in bulk before school begins and then re-stock as needed," the mayor said.

During his daily briefing, the mayorplayed a promotional video detailing the city’s PPE and cleaning supplies stockpile, as well as other health and safety preparations which include:

Supplies:

  • 4 million face masks
  • 3.5 million bottles of hand sanitizer
  • 80,000 canisters of disinfectant wipes

Cleaning:

  • 7,350 maintenance workers will clean high-touch zones multiple times per day and disinfect all buildings after school
  • 3,750 electrostatic sprayers enable staff to efficiently disinfect surfaces with zero physical contact

Safety signage:

  • 210,000 signs will be displayed throughout schools to encourage social distancing and good hygiene

HVAC equipment:

  • All buildings have been surveyed for maximum ventilation.
  • Rooms without adequate ventilation will not be used by students and staff.

The mayor also announced a new hotline for principals to call in order to expedite a "rapid re-supply" of PPE and cleaning supplies.

The hotline will be in place before the start of the school year, he said.

De Blasio also added that the schools' chancellor will do unannounced spot inspections of schools to make sure that everything is safe.

There will be ongoing monitoring by the chancellor and other Department of Education officials throughout the school year, he added.