Monroe County seeking replacements for ‘questionable’ masks

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Monroe County is asking the state to provide replacements after questions are being raised about the quality of some KN-95 masks provided by the state.

The masks make up 180,000 of the 337,620 sent to the county and distributed to area schools and businesses. The masks were manufactured by Yixian Songlin Bioengeineering Co., Ltd. in China and were in clear, plastic packs of 25.

The county statement indicates while the masks may not provide KN-95 level protection, they can still be used. The statement went on to say the county is seeking replacement masks and will work with those who are unable to use those handed out.

We’re told these masks went out to local schools and EMS crews.

My husband, a teacher, received the same one from his district. pic.twitter.com/p9IQja5cQ3

— H.L. Coyne ???? (@HLCoyne) January 11, 2022

They were given to EMS agencies as well

— Jake Stevenson (@Jake4523) January 11, 2022

The state officials have been notified and say they are looking for replacements. Those who have one of these masks and don’t have access to better-quality ones can continue to use them.

News10NBC received the following statement from state officials:

"The State has distributed tens of thousands of masks to counties to provide to teachers and schools as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Impacted counties have been contacted and asked to pull the masks in question and new masks will be shipped out for immediate replacement. In the meantime, the Department of Health and the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services are conducting an internal review of masks currently in storage."

News10NBC also reached out to the company that made the masks for a statement but has not heard back yet.