Pontiac, Michigan - Oakland County will help distribute 800,000 free KN95 masks beginning February 10, 2022.
"Masks and vaccinations are still the best ways to prevent the transmission of COVID," said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. "These masks will provide an additional safeguard for residents as we work together to end this pandemic and get back to normal."
After the state of Michigan announced it would supply millions of masks across the state, Oakland County partnered with municipalities and community organizations to distribute masks directly to cities, villages, and townships; community organizations; senior centers; churches, and other sites from the county's Pontiac warehouse on Feb. 10. These various organizations in turn will make the masks available to those who need them most at their own locations starting Feb. 14.
Free KN95 masks will also be available directly to Oakland County residents at drive-through locations in Waterford and Southfield next week. No appointment is necessary:
- Monday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market located at 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd. in Waterford
- Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Catalpa Oaks county park located at 27705 Greenfield Rd. in Southfield.
For more information, click on the county's COVID distributor webpage.
As of Jan. 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its web page to report that well-fitting, disposable surgical masks, KN95 masks and NIOSH-approved respirators, including N95 masks, are the most effective at preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and offer the highest level of protection.