Local agencies tailor mask message for Hispanic community

PASCO, Wash.-- Hispanic leaders from Benton and Franklin Counties are teaming up with local agencies to communicate to the Latino community the importance of wearing masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"A lot of the employers are putting a lot of those measures in place," said Mike Gonzalez, spokesperson for Franklin PUD which estimates that about 70% of its customer base is Hispanic. "I think where some of the disconnect is, is once you leave that work place and you go home. Because in the Hispanic community we love to be with our families, and I think some of the social distancing measures may not be taking place when you're having that weekend barbecue with the family."

Franklin PUD is working with the Benton Franklin Health District to address the COVID-19 crises as it is impacting the Latino community.

At a media event scheduled for Monday evening, Pasco Mayor Saul Martinez, Lourdes emergency room Dr. Raul Garcia, Washington State Senator Alex Ybarra, and several others plan to speak to the Hispanic community about the importance of wearing masks and practicing good social distancing.

"Only about 18% of Hispanics are able to work at home, so when you look at that essential nature of their jobs they're really at the front lines helping folks out. So this is certainly not an event to blame Hispanics for the spread of COVID in the Tri-Cities."

The event begins at 5:00 p.m. Monday at the Pasco Farmers Market on 4th at Lewis in Pasco, and will be conducted in English and Spanish. Anyone attending is asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.