Free KN95 Masks Available Soon for All in Michigan

The Omicron Variant of COVID-19 is a super spreader for sure. Those who are vaccinated are protected but still capable of getting infected, although much less of a sickness. So, it's still important to protect ourselves and others. Wear a mask, distance a bit and wash your hands.

Speaking of masks, what are you wearing? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer more protection against COVID-19 than cloth masks. The CDC says well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators, including N95s, offer the highest level of protection. The surgical mask is easy to find, but what about the KN95.

Fox17 reported that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will distribute 10 million free KN95 masks to all of us Michiganders soon and you'll be able to pick one up from partner sites across the state. You can find a local distribution site by visiting the Mask Up Michigan website.

The 10 million free KN95 masks are in addition to the 400 million N95 masks being made available to pharmacies and health centers from the Strategic National Stockpile across the country. We should be able to find them at CVS, Costco, Meijer, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart and Sam's Club and other locations soon.

KN95 masks are available at other locations, but they are not free. So if you are not able to find the free masks, you could head to Home Depot, Amazon, and possibly other retailers.

We'll get through this. Remember, get vaccinated, if you're not already, and mask up!