The New England Patriots are playing a huge role in helping combat the coronavirus pandemic.
The Patriots sent their team plane to China earlier this week to pick up 1.2 million N95 protective masks. The task wasn’t an easy and was a result of multiple global negotiations, according to The Wall Street Journal. Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker and Patriots team president Johnathon Kraft teamed up to help in acquiring the masks.
The plane had to be upgraded for international travel and a waiver to avoid a 14-day quarantine in China was granted if the team didn’t leave the aircraft.
“I’ve never seen so much red tape in so many ways and obstacles that we had to overcome,” team owner Robert Kraft said. “In today’s world, those of us who are fortunate to make a difference have a significant responsibility to do so with all the assets we have available to us.”
No days off. Thanks to some serious teamwork, Massachusetts is set to receive over 1 million N95 masks for our front-line workers. Huge thanks to the Krafts and several dedicated partners for making this happen. pic.twitter.com/ieV6XMC5Ow
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) April 2, 2020
The Kraft family paid around $2 million to help with the cost of the masks and originally ordered 1.7 million masks total. There wasn’t enough room in this trip for them all, so the remainder will be sent in another shipment.
They will be delivered in Boston on Thursday.
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