Brockton receives 5,000 face masks from Keolis

BROCKTON — The city was one of many beneficiaries of a large donation of face masks, which will be distributed to elderly and low-income residents and those still working during the coronavirus pandemic.

Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's commuter rail, on Thursday donated 30,000 masks to five cities that have been greatly impacted by COVID-19 — Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, Lawrence and Lynn.

Each city received 5,000 masks, except for Dorchester, which received 10,000 to also support other nearby Boston neighborhoods.

Mayor Robert Sullivan said the masks donated to Brockton will be distributed to senior citizens, low-income residents, essential workers and first responders.

“Brockton has been impacted greatly by COVID-19, and we appreciate the efforts by Keolis to help our city during this difficult time,” Sullivan said in a written statement. “Masks are essential toward helping slow the spread of the virus, and this donation will help our residents as they seek to do their part to keep our city healthy and safe.”

Keolis, an international public transport and mobility operator with operations in 16 countries and its North American headquarters in Boston, said it secured a large inventory of face masks for its employees by utilizing its global supply chain network.

"As Massachusetts advances through its reopening phases, the need for masks will continue, particularly in these communities which were hit the hardest by COVID-19,” said Keolis CEO David Scorey. “At our core, we are a mobility company, including our service to commuter rail passengers. Today, we’re advancing this mission with a donation of 30,000 masks that will help the communities we serve in a way that best fits their local needs.”