FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Zachary Horner | Communications Specialist, Chatham County
PITTSBORO, N.C. – The Chatham County Public Health Department has received a shipment of 120,000 N95 respirators from the NC Department of Health and Human Services and has begun distributing these masks to the general public in partnership with the Chatham County Public Libraries, as well as community settings, including churches and community-based organizations.
Beginning Thursday, February 3rd, these masks are available to the general public at the three branches of the Chatham County Public Libraries as supplies allow. Each household can receive one box of 20 masks.
Boxes will be available during operating hours at each branch while supplies last:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), N95 respirators offer the most protection from spread of virus particles, like those that cause COVID-19, when worn consistently and properly. Additionally, they contain any droplets and particles that come from you. N95 respirators should not be worn with other masks or respirators and should not be used for more than a few days. They should be discarded when they become wet or dirty, or no longer fit correctly.
Scenarios that call for better protection like that provided by N95 respirators include being in crowded indoor settings, especially for long periods of time or where masks are not worn by others. Masks that are loose, with gaps around your face or nose, are not as effective at protecting you or others. Any well-fitting mask continues to be better than no mask. You can learn more about N95 respirators and other masks at www.chathamcountync.gov/masks.
Along with the libraries, the Chatham County Public Health Department will distribute respirators to community settings that serve people at higher risk of exposure to the virus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and find other resources, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/coronavirusvaccine. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location, visit www.vaccines.gov. To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/publichealth.
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual identity (including pregnancy), and veteran status. NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Ginger Cunningham, County Extension Director, at 919-542-8202, ginger_cunningham@ncsu.edu, or in person at the Chatham County office at least 30 days prior to the event.
