In response to a third wave of surging coronavirus cases and deaths, the Office of Assemblymember Evan Low has helped coordinate the donation of tens of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) items to several organizations in Santa Clara County.
The Bay Area has recorded 209,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 2,200 people in the region have died from COVID-19. In total, California has confirmed more than 1.7 million positive tests and 22,000-plus deaths. While the distribution of vaccines began this month and production is ramping up to make offerings more widespread, health experts say that washing hands, wearing a mask and socially distancing is still the best way to avoid contracting the virus.
Over the last month, Assemblymember Low helped facilitate Huawei USA’s donation of 10,000 masks and 1,000 goggles to each of the following organizations: LiUNA Laborers Local 270; Friends of Children with Special Needs; and St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church; and the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). The final donation to the SCCOE is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
“In the spring, we saw shortages of PPE leave everyone without the proper protection they needed as COVID-19 began to spread across our region,” Assemblymember Low said. “I hope these critical PPE donations can help keep thousands of Silicon Valley residents safer as we move closer to getting everyone vaccinated in the coming year.”
On Tuesday, Assemblymember Low’s staff dropped off more than a dozen boxes of masks and goggles at St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church, which was established in the 1950s and is known throughout the region for its charitable work and annual Armenian Food Festival.
“We want to thank Assemblymember Evan Low for his help in donating 10,000 protective masks and 1,000 safety goggles to St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church. These life-saving supplies will greatly benefit our community,” Father Datev Harutyunian said. “The assistance and care Assemblymember Low and his office have shown us has been remarkable, and we wish him, his family and colleagues, and all residents of Silicon Valley a blessed Holiday season."
Local 270, Friends of Children with Special Needs, St. Andrew, and the SCCOE all continue to make invaluable contributions to the community despite unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic.
“We are so lucky to have these organizations here in Silicon Valley, as they each play a vital role in enriching our community through their relentless work ethic and dedication to helping others,” Assemblymember Low said.
For the Armenian community, the pandemic has been particularly trying as a war continues to rage in their home country over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory.
“Throughout history, from the horrific Armenian genocide to the current pandemic and conflict, we have repeatedly seen the resilience of the Armenian people,” Assemblymember Low said. “In times of crisis, I want them to know we will always stand by them.”
As of this week, the State of California has distributed 428.5 million surgical masks and more than 27 million face shields to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here in Santa Clara County, public officials have distributed nearly 26 million pieces of PPE, and corporate donations have strengthened local efforts to keep members of the public safe.
“The health and safety of local communities continues to be a priority for Huawei USA, especially during this time,” said Joy Tan, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Relations for Huawei USA. “We are proud to join forces with Assemblymember Evan Low to provide much needed personal protective equipment to those that need it most.”
Assemblymember Low was elected in 2014 to the State Assembly, where he represents District 28 constituents in Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and parts of San Jose. He is Chair of the Committee on Business and Professions, Chair of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, Vice Chair of the Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, and co-Chair of the Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus.
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