LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says 4 million masks will be distributed to the state's residents at no charge to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The face coverings will go to low-income people, seniors, schools and homeless shelters through a partnership of the state, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Ford Motor Co.

FEMA is supplying 2.5 million of the masks, including 1.5 million that the state has already sent to social service agencies. Ford is paying for 1.5 million masks, which combined with an additional 1 million from FEMA will go to low-income schools, the city of Detroit, health clinics for the poor, some virus testing sites and other places.

The governor has required that masks be worn in enclosed public spaces and also in outdoor public areas whenever consistent distancing is not possible.