Thurston County distributing cloth masks for low-income individuals, families
Thurston County Emergency Management is distributing over 128,000 cloth face masks to local organizations so they can pass them on to low-income families and individuals.
The distribution is directed by the Governor’s Office through the State Emergency Operations Center, according to a county news release, and Emergency Management will distribute masks as it receives shipments.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that facial coverings will be mandatory across the state in indoor and outdoor public spaces, with some exceptions, starting Friday, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Thurston County Health Officer Dr. Diana Yu already had issued a face covering directive in late May requiring residents to wear cloth face coverings when within 6 feet of people they don’t live with, and Inslee issued a face covering mandate for workers earlier this month.
People seeking masks in Thurston County who can’t afford to buy them should contact the organizations where they’re being distributed, according to county spokesperson Meghan Porter.
The following organizations are slated to receive masks to distribute:
- Thurston County Food Bank
- Partners in Prevention Education (PiPE)
- Senior Services for the South Sound
- Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia (CIELO)
- Community Action Council
- Thurston County Public Health and Social Services
- Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF) Community Services
- Salvation Army
- South Sound YMCA
The masks are intended for people and families who fall below 200% of the federal poverty level, according to the county, but Porter said people will not be required to show proof of income.
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
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