MEDIA RELEASE | February 8, 2022

Media Contact:

Alison Clark, Communications Specialist
aclark@miottawa.org | 616 494-5597

Free KN95 Masks Available at Locations Throughout Ottawa County

(HOLLAND, MI) - The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) is offering free adult KN95 masks to community members at several pick-up locations throughout Ottawa County, while supplies last. 

KN95 masks provide better protection against the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants, compared to cloth masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing KN95 masks, especially for people who are at an increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19.

KN95 masks are being distributed to community members because they are more protective than cloth masks at preventing transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

"Any mask is better than no mask at all, but surgical and KN95 masks reduce the spread of airborne droplets of the virus and provide better protection against infection," said Jennifer Sorek, Public Health Preparedness Coordinator. "We're happy to be able to share these resources from the State of Michigan to better protect our community while we wait for the Omicron surge to continue to recede." 

KN95 masks are available at Ottawa County township, village, and city offices, as well as local libraries, and the OCDPH lobby located at 12251 James Street in Holland. 

As COVID-19 continues to spread and mutate, OCDPH encourages vaccination and boosters, staying home if you are sick and a well-fitting mask when you are indoors in public places or at large gatherings. 

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health. OCDPH's vision is healthy people. For more information. contact covid19@miottawa.org, (616) 396-5266 or visit miottawa.org/COVID19. Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth or Twitter @miOCDPH.