Looking for free N95 masks? Here’s where you could soon find them in Kentucky

Those looking for free N95 masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19 should be able to find one soon in Lexington and across Kentucky.

The federal government confirmed last week it would distribute 400 million N95s from the Strategic National Stockpile to pharmacies and community health outfits across the nation.

Distribution to health centers and pharmacies is set to be underway this week, McClatchy reported. The news comes as the Bluegrass State experiences a record high positivity rate amid the omicron-driven surge.

Why N95s?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said N95 respirators, when they fit well and are worn correctly, provide the highest level of protection. Throughout the pandemic, however, N95s and other respirators have been at times hard to come by and increasingly expensive.

The free masks will be limited to three per person.

Where can I find free masks in Lexington and elsewhere in Kentucky?

A number of large pharmacies and pharmacy retailers are taking part in the distribution initiative.

Walgreens, with around 170 stores in Kentucky as of 2020, is among them. Director of Global Corporate Communications Scott Goldberg said he didn’t have information specific to free mask distribution to the commonwealth, but the company was looking at a roll out later this week.

“We expect the first stores to begin offering masks on Friday, January 28 and will continue on a rolling basis in the days and weeks following,” he said in a statement.

Stores with masks will have signage.

WTVQ reported Monday at least one Lexington-area Meijer, on Reynolds Road, had already received the masks and made them available to the public. In a Tuesday media release, the company said it had received an estimated 3 million masks. The masks will be available near the grocery entrance of stores.

Other major retailers in the area set to receive masks include Kroger, Walmart, Costco and CVS.

What about health facilities?

Community health centers that partner with the federal government should also receive shipments of free masks in the coming weeks. To find a facility, use this online locator and call ahead.

A Lexington-Fayette County Health Department official said Tuesday they have not confirmed the agency will receive any free masks, but will advertise on social media if that changes.