Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Public Health Department (CCPHD) and Chatham County Public Libraries distributed more than 100,000 N95 respirators to the Chatham community last week and have received another shipment of 100,000 masks to continue that distribution. Additionally, Moncure Fire Department has been added as a distribution site, expanding the availability of these free resources to another section of the county. The CCPHD will continue to distribute N95s to churches and other community partners as well.
On duty at the Moncure Fire Department (Facebook page photo)
“We’re grateful to the staff at Chatham County Public Libraries for continuing to support this effort. They have been our primary points of distribution for the N95s and we could not do this without them,” said Chatham County Public Health Director Mike Zelek. “We’re also excited to partner with the Moncure Fire Department. They are a central part of the Moncure community, and I’m thankful to Fire Chief Robert Shi and his staff for their willingness to partner with us and serve as a distribution hub for southeast Chatham.”
Community members can pick up one free box of 20 N95 respirators per household at any of the following locations during their operating hours while supplies last:
CITYNAMEADDRESSHOURSPittsboroChatham Community Library197 NC Highway 87 NMonday to Thursday, 9 AM to 8 PMFriday, 9 AM to 6 PMSaturday, 9 AM to 5 PMSiler CityWren Memorial Library500 N. Second Ave.Monday, 12 PM to 8 PMTuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PMSaturday, 9 AM to 5 PMGoldstonGoldston Library9235 Pittsboro-Goldston RoadMonday and Wednesday, 10 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 6 PMTuesday: ClosedThursday: 10 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 8 PMFriday: 10 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 5 PMSaturday, 9 AM to 1 PMMoncureMoncure Fire Department2389 Old US Highway 1, Moncure8 AM to 8 PM daily
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), N95 respirators offer the most protection from spread of virus particles, like those that cause COVID-19, when worn consistently and properly. Additionally, they contain any droplets and particles that come from you. N95 respirators should not be worn with other masks or respirators and should not be used for more than a few days. They should be discarded when they become wet or dirty, or no longer fit correctly.
Scenarios that call for better protection like that provided by N95 respirators include being in crowded indoor settings, especially for long periods of time or where masks are not worn by others. Masks that are loose, with gaps around your face or nose, are not as effective at protecting you or others. Any well-fitting mask continues to be better than no mask. You can learn more about N95 respirators and other masks at chathamcountync.gov/masks.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and find other resources, visit website. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov. To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit website or Facebook page.