Oregon Is Now Distributing Free Masks and Gloves to Small Business Owners

Oregon restaurant and bar owners struggling with rising costs and lower turnout can now order free masks and gloves directly from the state. Gov. Kate Brown and the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board have allocated $10 million of federal CARES Act funding to cover personal protective equipment, which the state is offering for free to childcare providers and small business owners.

Oregon-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees can request supplies online, and will receive boxes with anywhere from 100 to 500 masks and 200 to 800 gloves, depending on the number of employees. For now, business owners can apply for one order, but there’s a possibility that businesses may be able to re-apply, depending on demand. The state’s economic development agency, Business Oregon, and the Department of Administrative Services will be handling the ordering and distribution of the masks and gloves.

“We want our businesses to be able to operate in the safest manner possible right now so that we can get out of this health crisis, and get them back to full operations,” Brown said in a statement. “Our small businesses are the hardest hit, so we want to help them get the tools they need at no cost to them.”

The state is now taking orders online, with application forms in both English and Spanish.

• Supplies for Small Businesses & Child Care Providers [Official]