The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that they will be distributing 3.5 million free KN95 masks to local MDHSS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices. Some agencies plan on distributing masks to other local groups like homeless shelters. MDHHS Director Robert Gordan says,

“We are urging Michiganders to Mask Up and Mask Right to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from COVID-19. Wearing the right kind of mask is important. Today’s distribution of effective masks will help more Michiganders limit the spread of COVID to save lives and get back to normal sooner.”

The KN95 masks are similar to the N95 masks but slightly less effective. Some masks are more comfortable or easier to breathe in then others, but health officials recommend wearing a KN95 mask, three layered disposable or three layered cloth mask when out in public.

With a new COVID strain identified in Colorado, California, Florida and New York, it's important to take the correct safety precautions. That includes washing your hands, keeping a safe distance between others and properly wearing your face mask over your nose and mouth. Incident manager for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 response, Dr. Henry Walke says,

"Because the variants spread more rapidly, they could lead to more cases and put even more strain on our heavily burdened health care systems. We need to be even more vigilant in our prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19."

If you're looking for a new mask to wear this year and want to be closer to us, check out our merch!

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