Tompkins County purchased 250,000 high quality KN95 face masks through New York State funding, and the masks are being distributed for free through multiple municipalities and community organizations. Masks will be offered on the Downtown Ithaca Commons on Thursday afternoon from 2:30-4:15pm.
Related: Mask advisory remains in effect, and masks are available, in Tompkins County
“The event will be set up in the center of the Commons at Trolley Circle, in front of Center Ithaca,” Tompkins County said in a statement on Thursday morning. “The event is outdoors, open to the public, and the masks are free of charge.”
“Due to their tight fit around the face, KN95 masks provide better protection than cloth or surgical masks and are recommended to be worn when you are indoors around others, especially if you are around people who are ill, who may not be vaccinated against COVID-19, or with those who are at higher risk of severe illness,” the Health Department says. “KN95 masks are also recommended to be worn by immunocompromised individuals and seniors who are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.”
How to Wear a KN95 Mask
- Ensure a tight fit around your cheeks and adjust the nose clip for a close fit;
- A tight seal stops air flow through the sides of the mask; you should not feel air movement out the sides;
- KN95 masks are recommended for one-time use but can be reused until they become dirty, stretched or are no longer able to provide a tight seal.
“We are happy to announce this distribution event today to better equip our community with high-quality masks that provide an extra layer of protection,” Tompkins County public health director Frank Kruppa said. “We thank the City and Downtown Ithaca Alliance for their assistance in organizing this event.”
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Related: Coronavirus coverage in 14850 Today
