Masks delivered by former Missouri governor fail fit test

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Masks delivered by a former Missouri governor to at least one local agency to protect first responders from COVID-19 did not pass a fit test.

Eric Greitens and the organization VirusRelief delivered surgical and N95 masks to agencies in Boone County on Monday. The Columbia Fire Department received 150 N95 masks and another 1,000 surgical masks.

CFD Assistant Chief Brad Fraizer said Tuesday that the N95 masks did not pass a fit test, making them unusable for firefighters in close contact with people who might have COVID-19. However, the masks can be used as face coverings by office staff and in other situations, Fraizer said.

VirusRelief did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Greitens said while dropping off masks Monday at the Boone County Fire Protection District that he partnered with the organization because of the quality of their work.

"You probably heard there have been a lot of problems with counterfeit masks, people who've stolen money," Greitens said Monday. "We've teamed up with folks who really know how to get this done so we can bring quality masks in and get them to people who really need them around the state."

Local first responders have had issues with masks previously. The Columbia Fire Department returned 45 KN95 masks to the state about two weeks ago because of issues with fit. The Columbia Police Department sent back another 750 of the masks.

Greitens resigned as governor in 2018 amid a criminal case linked to an extramarital affair and allegations of political ethics violations.