Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Public Health Department will operate two drive-thru sites to distribute N95 respirator masks to the general public from 10 AM to noon tomorrow, Saturday, February 5th, while supplies last. Additionally, the three branches of Chatham County Public Libraries will continue to give out N95s while supplies last. N95s are limited to one box of 20 respirators per household/car. Each box will come with instructions on how to properly use the mask. Due to limited supplies, if you have already received a box of N95s or have your own supply, please leave these masks for others who need them more.
Here are the sites and hours of operation for Saturday:
CITYNAMEADDRESSHOURSPittsboroChatham Community Library197 NC Highway 87 N9 AM to 5 PMPittsboroNorthwood High School (drive-thru)310 Northwood High School Road10 AM to 12 PMSiler CityWren Memorial Library500 N. Second Ave.9 AM to 5 PMSiler CitySilk Hope School (drive-thru)7945 Silk Hope Gum Springs Road10 AM to 12 PMGoldstonGoldston Library9235 Pittsboro-Goldston Road9 AM to 1 PM
Masks are available inside of the three library branches. Those visiting the Northwood High School site should go to the right side of the school near the bus lot. Those visiting the Silk Hope School site should use the driveway in front of the school.
“We are thrilled that we’ve been able to bring N95s to the Chatham community, and we’re so grateful for our partners at Chatham County Public Libraries and Chatham County Schools for serving as pick-up locations,” said Zachary Horner, Communications Specialist for the Chatham County Public Health Department. “We ask that those visiting the sites be patient and respectful of staff distributing masks. They’re working very hard to make sure Chatham residents have access to this important tool.”
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 www.chathamcountync.gov/masks.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and find other resources, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/coronavirusvaccine. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location, visit www.vaccines.gov. To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/publichealth or www.facebook.com/chathamhealth.