Secretary-General, United States Ambassador Announce Donation of Face Masks to New York Medical Workers amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

I am pleased to announce with United States Ambassador Kelly Craft the donation of 250,000 protective face masks, previously located in United Nations stores in New York, to the United States.

These masks, in surplus to United Nations requirements, will be given to the medical professionals in New York City who have been working courageously, selflessly and tirelessly in response to the spread of COVID-19 across the [New York City] boroughs in the hope that they play some small role in saving lives.

We speak with one voice to express our resolute support for this great city and its proud people.  To us, New York is not just our home or the Headquarters of the United Nations.  It is a vibrant international capital through which the world communicates, debates, trades and prospers.  On behalf of the United Nations community and the diplomatic corps, we sincerely hope this modest donation makes a difference.

United Nations and United States Mission personnel are currently working with the Mayor’s office to ensure the swift delivery of this equipment to medical facilities around the city.