2022 is here. I’m sure we all expected the pandemic to be over by now, but this year is off to a rough start. It’s not the time to let down our defenses. Cities, states, and the country are setting new records for the number of daily cases and hospitalizations. The good news is, so far the number of deaths has not reached an all-time high; it’s still happening but not at a record pace. This is due in part to having helpful vaccines that lessen the symptoms in those fully vaccinated and now boosted. Those who are not vaccinated are still at risk for severe infections and possibly dying. Other measures such social distancing, good handwashing, and wearing an effective mask have helped to slow the spread too. As with the vaccinations, the recommendations for what masks to wear have changed. The N95, KN95, and KF94 masks have always been the better masks (over cloth or medical grade masks). They were in short supply at the beginning of the pandemic as we, the world, were caught off guard. These masks are recommended because they are very effective in filtering air particles that are the size of the coronavirus. The masks have another “superpower:” they have an electrostatic charge that prevents the virus germs from slipping through the mask itself. Cloth masks are no longer recommended as they have never been as protective, but this is even more important now with the Omicron variant spreading across the country.  

Last week, the Biden Administration announced it will be distributing 400 million FREE N95 face masks for adults. The masks will be available at thousands of pharmacies, community health centers, and many vaccination locations. Three masks per adult will be available late this week, with the program will be fully up and running by early February.

Households are also eligible for four free at-home COVID tests from the federal government. They are shipped directly to you. You can order them on the federal website www.covidtests.gov.

While this is a new year, we are still in the grip of this pandemic. We have tools to help us combat this virus. Keep yourself safe by following the recommendations from the CDC. Stay alert for the FDA’s recommendation for vaccinations and booster shots. And be sure to get your free COVID tests and N95 masks!