STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The South Shore Business Improvement District (BID) will provide face masks to business owners in Annadale, Eltingville and Great Kills, the not-for-profit organization has announced.

The distribution comes in response to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent executive order requiring employees of essential businesses to wear masks effective April 15.

“The reality is that masks are hard to come by right now, and it will be difficult for our businesses to comply with the governor’s mandate within two days’ time,” said Gary Fleming, president of the South Shore BID, a not-for-profit organization created to make the three South Shore towns a better place to work, shop and live. “The BID was able to secure 5,000 masks and we intend on distributing them to BID businesses that are still operating to help them meet the deadline and also stay safe.”

Beginning Wednesday morning, BID officials will visit locations that are still operational within those towns and distribute the masks. Representatives from the group said they intend reach every location to ensure compliance when businesses open Thursday morning. For more information, visit the South Shore BID website.