The Boston Athletic Association donated approximately 3,000 race day ponchos to Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester on Tuesday, to be used as personal protective equipment for staff responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Hopkinton announced in a press release.
Town selectmen connected BAA with Saint Vincent CEO Carolyn Jackson, who is also a Hopkinton resident, after she asked the select board for help gathering emergency PPE for her staff. Because the Boston Marathon starting line is located in Hopkinton, local officials have an ongoing working relationship with BAA.
Typically, the ponchos would be used on Boston Marathon race day. However, because of the coronavirus crisis, the race has been pushed forward from April 20 to Sept. 14.
Ponchos are potentially considered acceptable hospital gown alternatives, under CDC guidelines, detailing crisis situations where long-sleeve cover ups are needed.
