Former Met John Franco Pitches Mask Usage as Part of MTA Operation Respect; Mask Usage Systemwide Remains High at 95%
Listen to New PSA by John Franco
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today launched a new public service announcement on New York City subways, “Wear a Mask, Save a Life,” featuring legendary Mets pitcher John Franco. The 17-second announcement alludes to Franco’s 424 saves during his 22-year baseball career, 276 as a pitcher with the New York Mets. The public service announcement (PSA) can be heard throughout New York City Transit’s 472 subway stations and on trains beginning today.
The script of the new PSA is available below:
Hey, this is John Franco. I saved 276 games for the New York Mets and now I'm asking you to make a few saves of your own – by wearing a mask on public transit. You’ll keep yourself safe, others safe, and you may even save a life or two.
“By now, we should all be aware of the life-saving benefits of wearing a mask to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Sarah Feinberg, NYC Transit Interim President. “We’re glad to see THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of our customers are wearing masks, but we will continue to remind EVERYONE in creative and effective ways.”
“We are proud to add a sports legend to our list of great New Yorkers who are helping to spread the word about being healthy and safe in the transit system,” said Sarah Meyer, NYC Transit Chief Customer Officer. “John Franco understands the importance of wearing a mask and is so helpful in delivering that message to our customers.”
“My father worked in the Sanitation Department and dedicated his life to help making the City better. For me wearing a mask on the streets, or in the subways, is just another way of making the City better and helping save lives,” said Mets Hall-of-Famer John Franco. “I look at wearing a mask as not just protecting yourself but showing respect for your fellow New Yorkers, especially on the subways where people are so close to each other and social distancing is not always possible. It’s really not that hard -- wear a mask; make the trains safe for everyone.”
In July, the MTA launched “Operation Respect,” a multi-layered strategy to encourage universal mask compliance including the systemwide roll out of the Safe Travels campaign and PSAs by actor and activist Rosie Perez. The program includes a mask dispenser pilot on more than 600 buses across thirty bus routes alongside the continued rollout of PPE vending machines across New York City Transit, Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. Additionally, the MTA launched the successful Mask Force, comprised of hundreds of volunteers from MTA leadership, employees, elected officials and advocacy groups, which continues to travel throughout the city and provide millions of free masks to customers. The Authority has also launched a new capacity tracking app to track in real-time how many passengers are on buses or LIRR train cars.
Mask compliance is very high, above 95% across the MTA network. Customers who refuse to wear a mask while riding on public transit are now subject to a $50 fine as MTA officials work to further increase mask compliance.
Since March, the MTA has provided 4.4 million N95 and K95 masks to employees, along with 3.9 million surgical masks, 11 million pairs of gloves, 67,000 gallons of hand sanitizer and 7.4 million individual cleaning wipes.
All customers and employees are strongly encouraged to follow the below recommendations from the CDC to help reduce the risk of getting sick:
- Wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines in public spaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.