Jackson County will give away 100,000 free masks to residents. Here’s what to know
Jackson County, in partnership with area churches, will give away 100,000 masks to residents beginning Wednesday in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the county announced Tuesday.
Giveaways will be held in multiple communities in the county, through partnership with churches, according to a news release.
“Wearing a mask has been shown to slow the spread of this deadly disease and will ultimately save lives. Therefore, it is critical that we remove any barriers that could prevent people from wearing them – whether it be cost, accessibility or availability,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., said in a statement.
The first giveaway will be held Wednesday, July 15, at the Grain Valley Community Center at 713 N. Main Street from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
As long as the supply of 15,000 masks lasts, each person will receive 10 disposable masks.
Future mask distributions announcements will be made on the Jackson County website and social media platforms.
White credited Ron Finley, 2nd District Jackson County legislator, with the idea of obtaining the masks and partnering with the faith community to help distribute.
“COVID-19 is still spreading in our County and we encourage everyone to wear a mask consistent with the health order to protect themselves and the public,” Finley said in a statement. “Doing so will help keep our community safe, strong and open for business.”
Gov. Mike Parson, through the State Emergency Management Agency, is supplying the masks, according to the release. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will assist in organizing the giveaway and distributing the masks.
Parson said, in a statement, that he and the elected leaders in Jackson County are prioritizing keeping “residents healthy and safe.”
“Any resources that the state can provide to maintain that commitment, I am willing to assist to support that effort,” Parson said.
At least 1,646 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county, according to state data, and 30 people have died.
“The science is clear that when we wear masks, we limit the spread of droplets being passed on to others when we talk, cough or sneeze,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer said in a statement. “We need compliance with the order to best control the virus. Mask wearing is one of the simplest and least invasive tools we have to protect our families, friends, and neighbors in Jackson County.”
Jackson County entered Phase 2.5 of its recovery plan, requiring masks to be worn in public indoor and public outdoor spaces, according to the release. The county continues to recommend staying home as the safest option and for people to continue to maintain social distancing.
