Patriots plane delivers 1.2 million masks from China to assist in coronavirus efforts

New England Patriots plane (Google Images)

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft of Brookline, Massachusetts has stepped up big time to help people in the fight against coronavirus. On Friday, the Patriots team plane returned to Boston after travelling to China where 1.2 million N95 masks were put on board for Americans.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker worked hard with Kraft to get the necessary masks on the plane. The N95 masks are considered a little stronger than regular masks as it helps protect those who wear them from breathing in hazardous substances. The masks are worn over the nose and mouth, and will be given to healthcare workers.

Baker formed a relationship with Kraft to get the necessary supplies after it was reported earlier in the week that the federal government of the United States was outbidding particular states to get lifesaving equipment. Baker and American senator Elizabeth Warren were arguing that many supplies were supposed to be headed to the state of Massachusetts but were seized by federal authorities according to commondreams.org. 

In all, Kraft has purchased 1.7 million masks according to the Vancouver Province. The plan at the moment is to give 1.4 million masks to the state of Massachusetts and 300,000 masks to the state of New York.

Kraft, who has been the owner of the Patriots since 1994, also has a connection to New York state. That is because he attended Columbia University in New York City and graduated from there in 1963. The state of New York has been hammered by coronavirus. There are currently 102, 863 total cases and 2,935 deaths. The numbers seem to be better in Massachusetts. In this state there are 8,966 cases and 154 deaths.