Where To Get Your Free N95 Masks In Southern California

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The federal government has shipped out millions of N95 masks to be distributed free to the public.

"Anything you can do to help people stay safe that's a great thing for any corporation and the government to do to help," said mask recipient Matt Fonda.

SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 28: 3M brand N95 particulate respirators are displayed on a table on July 28, 2020 in San Anselmo, California. 3M reported second quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations and showed overall sales falling 12.2 percent to $7.18 billion despite a ramp-up in sales of N95 face masks due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Each adult is eligible for three N95 masks, which are considered the most protective type of face covering against COVID-19. The masks are being supplied by the nation's strategic stockpile.

The masks are being shipped to the community health centers and federal pharmacy partners to be distributed to the public. In Southern California, those retail partners include:

  • Albertsons
  • Costco
  • CVS
  • Good Neighbor Pharmacy
  • Pavilions
  • Ralphs
  • Rite Aid
  • Sam's Club
  • Vons
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart

To find a community health center distributing free N95 masks, visit the HRSA Data Warehouse.

The masks are adult-sized and are not appropriate for use by children. Federal officials are urging people to avoid counterfeit N95 masks, and only use NIOSH-approved N95s that can be purchased from legitimate retailers like CVS and Home Depot, or directly from manufacturer's websites like 3M or Honeywell.

While the masks have been shipped, the distribution is not expected to be fully up and running until early February.

However, some stores have begun their rollouts with CVS beginning giveaways on Thursday and Walgreens set to begin on Friday.

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