San Juan Basin Public Health announced Tuesday that free KN95 and surgical masks are now available at SJBPH offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs.
Masks can be picked up at SJBPH front desks on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to five masks will be provided per person.
The giveaway is in conjunction with the larger statewide and national effort to distribute high-quality masks and slow the spread of the omicron variant. Masks were provided by the state of Colorado’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Both La Plata and Archuleta counties continue to report high levels of COVID-19 transmission. Of molecular tests collected and reported over the past seven days, 25% came back positive for COVID-19 in La Plata County, and 32% were reported as positive in Archuleta County.
“High quality, well-fitting masks are a critical precaution for limiting transmission during the current surge of the omicron variant in our community,” SJBPH said in a news release. “SJBPH’s local Public Health Advisory continues to strongly recommend face coverings for all individuals ages 2 and up in all public indoor settings, businesses and workplaces.”
Mask supply is limited. The Durango Public Library gave out masks Jan. 13, but ran out of its supply by 1 p.m. that day.
kpercival@durangoherald.com
