Washington County is distributing free KN95 masks. Here's how you can get some

Staff Report
·2 min read
Registered nurse Silvia Petrick administers a COVID-19 test at the drive-thru screening center behind Meritus Medical Plaza on Crayton Boulevard just north of Hagerstown on October 28, 2021.

Washington County Health Department officials say they will distribute free KN95 masks to the public in the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 virus.

In addition to distributing the masks from health department offices, they will also be handed out at the county's five public libraries, the health department said in a news release Thursday.

Distribution of masks is being limited to five per person while supplies last.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using KN95 masks over other types of face coverings to help maximize protection against COVID-19, the health department said.

The department is recommending upgrading to KN95 masks, especially for people who work in a job with high public contact or shared work spaces.

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Additionally, the health department is distributing more free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests through the county library system. Anyone who would like a COVID-19 at-home test kit or masks can contact local libraries by phone to ask about their supply, the release said.

More information can also be found at www.washcolibrary.org.

Free KN95 masks in Washington County

Masks can be picked up at the following locations:

  • Washington County Health Department headquarters at 1302 Pennsylvania Avenue. 240-313-3200.

  • Washington County Health Department Behavioral Health Services at 925 N. Burhans Blvd. 240-313-3310

  • Washington County Free Library, Fletcher Branch, Antietam and Potomac streets in Hagerstown. 301-739-3250 ext. 200

  • Boonsboro Free Library, 401 Potomac St. 301-432-5723

  • Hancock Veterans Memorial Library, 231 Hancock Veterans Parkway. 301-678-5300

  • Smithsburg Library, 66 Water St. 301-824-7722

  • Williamsport Memorial Library, 104 Potomac St. 301-223-7027

Health department officials are asking people not to enter libraries if they are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms.

People who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination but who have not received one are being asked to do so, according to the health department.

While testing is useful, a vaccine is still the best way to fight COVID-19, the health department said.

"Stay home if you are sick. Wash your hands, wear a mask in crowded indoor areas, check on family and neighbors often," the health department said in the release.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Free KN95 masks distributed in Washington County through libraries