In its latest effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the Biden administration announced last week that it would distribute 400 million high-quality face masks to Americans in the coming weeks.
The government also rolled out a website last week where households can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests.
The masks that are part of the federal program are known as N95 respirators and will come from the Strategic National Stockpile, the country’s emergency reserve of medical supplies. For much of 2020, the stockpile faced major shortages of personal protective equipment, but in recent months, N95s have become more widely available.
The White House said N95 masks will be available for the public to pick up at tens of thousands of locations across the country.
There were indications last week that COVID-19 was starting to decline in Pennsylvania and in Allegheny County. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state as of Thursday was 44,000 lower than in the previous week, and the number of hospital patients with COVID-19 was down about 174 per day.
But it is still essential to take steps to prevent the spread, and high-quality masks are part of that effort.
Where can I find the free masks?
According to the White House, many pharmacies and other sites that offer COVID-19 vaccines will also distribute free N95 masks. In Western Pennsylvania, those include CVS, Health Mart, Rite-Aid, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as community health centers.
In a statement, CVS Pharmacy said the free N95 masks will be distributed at its stores in the coming weeks. Walgreens said in a statement that it will have free N95 masks available in varying sizes at select locations nationwide while supplies last.
“We know masks are an effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19,” a spokesperson said. “We are currently finalizing the operational details of this program.”
When will they be available?
Masks will start to become available by the end of this week, and the program will be fully up and running by early February.
How many masks can I get?
There’s a limit of three masks per person to “ensure broad access for all Americans,” according to government officials.
What kind of masks are available?
N95 respirators are close-fitting masks that form a tight seal around the nose and mouth. The government hasn’t said which brand of N95s it will be distributing, but manufacturers 3M and Honeywell confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that their masks will be available as part of the program. Throughout the pandemic, both companies have contributed millions of N95 masks to the Strategic National Stockpile.
3M said it would launch a website soon that would provide information on the models available through the government program, including instructions on how to wear the masks properly.
“These masks, produced here in the U.S., can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect health care workers, first responders and the public,” said Morgan Kurk, president of Honeywell Personal Protective Equipment.
Why should I wear an N95?
N95 and similar respirators are capable of filtering at least 95% of small and large airborne particles, including those that may contain viruses and bacteria. In updated guidance published Jan. 14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said N95 respirators are more effective at preventing transmission of the coronavirus than cloth and surgical masks.
County vaccine clinics
For those who need vaccinations, the following options are available through the Allegheny County Health Department this week:
● ACHD Immunization Clinic, Hartley Rose Building, 4th Floor, 425 First Avenue, Downtown
All adult COVID-19 vaccines and Pfizer (5-11 years) available. COVID vaccines, third doses, boosters and flu shots available (for adults).
Visit https://bit.ly/ACHDVaccines for hours and days
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday
● Bethel Park Lifespan Clinic, Bethel Park Senior Center, 5151 Park Avenue, Bethel Park
When: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday
COVID vaccines, third doses, boosters and flu shots available (for all adults and children over the age of 6 months).
● Casa San Jose, 2116 Broadway Ave, Beechview
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday
COVID vaccines, third doses, boosters and flu shots available (for adults).
● Mon Valley Lifespan Clinic, Mon Valley Senior Center, Olympia Shopping Center, 4313 Walnut St, Suite 370, McKeesport
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday
COVID vaccines, third doses, boosters and flu shots will be available for adults.
Emily Mullin: emullin@post-gazette.com.
First Published: January 24, 2022, 11:00 a.m.
Updated: January 24, 2022, 11:04 a.m.
