LANSING (WWJ) -- Michiganders will soon be able to get their hands on some free KN95 masks thanks to a large distribution from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that MDHHS is distributing 10 million of the free KN95 masks to ensure Michiganders can protect themselves from COVID-19 as the state continues to face the surge brought on by the omicron variant.
The masks will be distributed by community organizations, including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices.
The free masks will also be available at Community Action Agencies, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
Some agencies will further distribute the masks to local partners such as homeless shelters.
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“We have the tools and we know what works as we face down the omicron variant of COVID-19,” said Whitmer. “By distributing 10 million highly-effective KN95 masks, we can keep families and communities safe. I encourage Michiganders to pick up a free KN95 mask at their local MDHHS office, public health department, or community organization. Together, we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”
As of Jan. 14, the CDC updated its consumer web page describing the types of masks and respirators used to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. According to the CDC, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer more protection than a cloth mask, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.
Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, while layered finely woven products offer more protection.
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The masks being provided by MDHHS are in addition to the 400 million N95 masks being made available by the Biden administration to pharmacies and health centers.
CVS, Costco, Meijer, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart and Sam's Club are among the many Michigan retailers that joined the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program to begin free distribution of N95 masks.
Residents who need masks can find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.