President Biden Rolls Out 400 Million Free Masks

President Biden recently purchased one billion at home tests that the American people can order and have shipped directly to their house. The tests can be ordered online, and the process to order such tests is extremely easy and takes seconds to complete. Following this, President Biden is also sending 400 million N95 masks to pharmacies all over the country, where Americans can obtain them for free. The Biden administration is looking to increase the access to high-quality masks as the Omicron variant sweeps the nation.

The stockpile of masks have already arrived at some pharmacies, however the program is going to be fully up and running by early February. The masks come from the Strategic National Stockpile, and pharmacies are allowing up to three free masks for each person in the United States. 

Wearing a mask has many benefits, such as:

•  Reduce transmission rates
•  Lessen risk of being infected
•  Protects against asymptomatic carriers
•  Reduce burden on healthcare systems

N95 masks are supposed to be the highest level of protection you can get from a face covering. N95 masks filter out both large and small particles each time you inhale. The masks are said to filter at least 95% of particles, and are designed to have a close fit to your face. The edges of the mask have a seal that forms around your nose and mouth. 

Each pharmacy will include a flyer with a QR code attached which will direct people to the CDC guide on how to properly put on and take off N95 masks. The CDC also has an entire page compiled with all the information about wearing a mask that one may need. Wearing a mask is a very important step in keeping your community safe. Health and Wellness also has a page with all COVID resources, including vaccination dates and information on testing and quarantine.