2.1 Million Free KN95 Masks Distributed to Minnesotans Through Schools, Community Groups This Week

(KNSI) — The state of Minnesota announced that 2.1 million KN95 masks would be distributed to community groups, local public health agencies, schools, and other entities starting Thursday.

Around 650,000 KN95 masks will go to local public health agencies for residents, and schools will receive 550,000 masks to distribute to staff and students. Other recipients include the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 Community Coordinators serving immigrant populations and persons with disabilities, plus child care centers, clinics serving Medicaid enrollees, and tribal nations.

A press release says, “organizations receiving masks will provide them directly to Minnesotans, and they will inform their communities how to get their masks. The State of Minnesota is working to prioritize getting these masks to people in higher-risk settings, higher-risk populations, and our state’s schools.”

The State of Minnesota says it has started distributing masks this week, with further shipments in the days ahead. Some CVS Pharmacies – including those inside Target stores – may begin handing out masks on January 27th. Walgreens says it could start to distribute masks as soon as January 28th. Walmart says it doesn’t plan to distribute masks until around the second week of February.

Earlier this month, the federal government announced that it would be purchasing 400 million masks from the national stockpile to be distributed in Minnesota and around the country at no cost. Distribution is limited to three masks a piece to make the supplies last longer.

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