Free N95 masks are arriving at Delaware pharmacies. Here's where you can find them.
Pharmacies in Delaware are beginning to distribute the free N-95 masks promised by President Joe Biden, but finding them might not be easy.
With more infectious variants of COVID-19 on the rise, experts are urging people to use KN95 or N95 masks over less effective cloth masks.
Responding to the demand for more protective masks, the White House began shipping more than 400 million masks from the Strategic National Stockpile.
Some pharmacies across the nation received their supply of masks late last week or early this week. Others are expecting their shipments to arrive within the next few weeks.
While many big-name pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are participating in the program, not every location will be getting a shipment of masks.
COVID climate in Delaware: Delaware has passed its omicron peak, but getting boosters to residents proves challenging
Anyone seeking free masks should contact their pharmacy to verify if they are participating.
Where can I find masks?
A Rite Aid on Du Pont Boulevard in Millsboro already has free masks and is keeping them at the register for customers to claim.
Brookside’s Rite Aid in Chestnut Hill Plaza near Newark was expecting their shipment by the end of this week or early next week, said a Rite Aid employee.
Various Walgreen’s locations, including those located in Wilmington’s Trolley Square and on Maryland Avenue, are not giving out free masks.
Free masks for teachers and students: Delaware plans to distribute 125K masks to teachers, older students, to combat COVID cases
In Middletown, the CVS location on Middletown-Odessa Road does not know if they will be a participating location.
Dover’s CVS on Forest Street is also unaware of their participation status for the free mask distribution, according to a store associate.
Walmart on College Park Drive in Georgetown hasn’t received masks yet, but said customers would be able to get them at the register as soon as they are available.
If you're unable to find a participating location near you, N95 and KN95 masks can be purchased from retailers such as Amazon or local hardware stores including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Purchasing N95, KN95 masks: N95 and KN95 masks are your best mask option—here’s where to buy them online
How many free masks can I get?
Individuals will be limited to three masks per person to ensure broad access to the program, according to Kevin Munoz, assistant White House press secretary.
TYPES OF FACE MASKS: Some face masks are more protective than others—here are the types you should avoid
REUSING MASKS: Are N95 and KN95 masks reusable and how should you store them?
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to get free N95 masks from Delaware pharmacies
