USDOT to distribute 15.5 million masks to transportation workers

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will send 15.5 million masks to transportation workers to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the agency announced last week.

The cloth facial coverings secured by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sent out over the coming weeks through the U.S. Postal Service, USDOT officials said in a press release.

Distribution will include 4.8 million masks for mass transit and passenger-rail employees, 2.4 million for those in the maritime industry and 2.2 million for freight railroad workers.

"Transportation workers are on the front lines of keeping our transportation systems operational during this public health emergency and their well-being and safety is paramount," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.