A national rollout of free N95 respirator masks started late last week, with local retailers Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid expecting to have them available for residents as soon as deliveries reach local stores.
Though stores nationally began distribution of the masks as of Friday, representatives at local Rite Aid and CVS stores in Peterborough and Jaffrey said they expect shipments of N95 masks to arrive at some point this week, though no official timing has been announced; Walmart in Rindge had also yet to begin distribution as of press time Monday.
The initiative, along with free COVID-19 test kits which are available to be mailed to individual households, are part of an initiative by President Joe Biden’s administration to battle the current surge of COVID-19 cases and the omicron variant.
According to the Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 tracking data, the United States experienced a huge surge in COVID-19 cases mid-January, about two weeks after the winter holiday season, with numbers of reported cases leaping over 800,000, a pandemic high. Though numbers have begun to tread back downwards, they remain more than twice as high as the number of reported cases at any time before December of 2021.
“A respirator has better filtration, and if worn properly the whole time it is in use, can provide a higher level of protection than a cloth or procedural mask,” according to the CDC’s website. “A mask or respirator will be less effective if it fits poorly or if you wear it improperly or take it off frequently. Individuals may consider the situation and other factors when choosing a mask or respirator that offers greater protection.”
The masks are being distributed from the Strategic National Stockpile, which had more than 750 million in stock. Over half of those – about 400 million – are expected to be distributed.
Last year, about 30 million free masks were released to be distributed to food banks and health centers.
Residents are limited to three free masks. Supplies may be limited. It is not necessary to make a purchase to receive your free mask.
An N95 respirator is a protective mask that is designed to fit closely over the face and filter out 95% of airborne particles. They are designed to create a seal around a person’s nose and mouth, and are commonly used by healthcare workers, in construction and industrial jobs where workers can be exposed to dust or other small particulates.
Surgical masks, the more loose-fitting, disposable face coverings, create a barrier between the wearer and potential contaminants but are not as form-fitting as an N95 mask.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, N95 masks may not be suitable for all people. People with chronic respiratory, cardiac or other medical conditions that impact breathing should check with their health care provider before using an N95 respirator, as they can make it more difficult to breathe. They are also not designed for children or people with facial hair, which can prevent a full seal and not provide full protection. There are some models that have an exhalation valve that can reduce breathing difficulties or reduce heat, but these should not be used in circumstances where sterile conditions are required.
N95 respirators are single-use and disposable. If they are damaged or soiled, discard it and replace it.
Research into the omicron variant of COVID-19 has shown that it is more transmissible than earlier variants – including among vaccinated populations – though research shows it typically causes less severe illness.
Omicron variant infections have recently overtaken the Delta variant as the dominant strain of COVID-19 infecting Americans, according to the World Health Organization.
According to the CDC, masks and respirators provide different levels of protection, ith “loosely woven cloth products” providing the lowest level of protection. Layered or finely woven cloth provides more protection, and well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95 masks at the next level, and NIOSH-approved respirators, including the N95, provide the highest level of protection.
Instances where greater protection might be needed include caring for someone who is infected with COVID-19, if you are at increased risk for severe symptoms such as being immunocompromised, if you are older, or have underlying medical conditions, or work a job where you must interact with a large number of people, are on public transportation, a crowded setting, or have not received a full vaccination.