"MASK UP AMERICA"

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic spreading fast in many states across the country, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched the national "Mask Up America" education and awareness campaign to urge all Americans to wear a mask while in public to help stop the spread of the virus.

The campaign includes a series of eight TV public service announcements, the first two of which are available today. All of the PSAs will be available in partnership with the Ad Council for use by broadcast and digital media outlets. The PSAs will air in donated media time and space throughout the country."

New Yorkers suffered gravely when this pandemic hit our state and as we see other states battle the surge of COVID-19, we want to be sure all Americans know what we know here - that it is essential to wear a mask in order to protect one another," Governor Cuomo said. "We can only beat this virus if we are united as one, not divided by ideology or politics. In that spirit we worked with the best and most creative team to deliver this vital message in multiple ways and in different voices - I wear a mask to protect you and you wear a mask to protect me. It is simple as that. Mask Up America."

Jane Rosenthal, producer and CEO Tribeca Enterprises, produced the series of spots with Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. Robert De Niro, Kaitlyn Dever, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, John Leguizamo, Anthony Mackie, Rosie Perez, Ellen Pompeo and Jeffrey Wright used their voices and talent to promote the message and increase awareness. Creative agency TBWA\Chiat\Day New York assisted with the logo and branding development. Lisa Sherman, President & CEO of the Ad Council, said, "With cases of the virus continuing to rise across the country, we are proud to partner with Governor Cuomo's office on this critical message and inspire all Americans to wear face coverings."

The eight 30-second television spots, which will be rolled out throughout the month of July.

In April, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued n Executive Order requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of the virus when you're out in public. While not as effective as a medical-grade mask or an N95 mask, these coverings provide an extra layer of protection by blocking respiratory droplets, which is the primary way that COVID-19 is transmitted.

There are face masks that tie around the head, masks that loop over your ears, masks that offer an extra layer of protection with a filter, masks that are less expensive and even masks that are stylish.

The following 12 retailers are selling non-medical grade masks online, with and without pockets for filters. A nice bonus, they are also matching your purchases with donations. Many of these masks are sell out—but are constantly being restocked—so check back to find the one you want in stock.