On Jan. 15, Washtenaw County is handing out free KN95 masks. As the COVID-19 omicron variant spreads across the world and infects more people, the county is helping combat the highly infectious strand by handing out packs of ten adult KN95 masks in Ann Arbor. Averaging at 1,000 new cases a day, Washtenaw County is considered a high transmission area. Michigan hospitals are at full capacity, including Michigan Medicine with 161 COVID-19 patients, children and adults. Health officials say KN95 masks offer better protection compared to cloth masks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Surgical masks are much more effective at protecting against large particles that could be transmitted through a cough or sneeze.

The pick-up event is happening at Washtenaw County Environmental Health on 705 North Zeeb Road from 10 a.m. to noon. The policy is ‘first come, first serve’, so keep in mind that there is limited supply. They are only offering masks to individuals and families. However, the Washtenaw County Racial Equity Office would like to offer free masks to large groups eventually.