Hennepin County delivers over 1 million masks for residents

Hennepin County has delivered more than 1 million masks to Hennepin County residents as it continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.

According to a release, Hennepin County COVID-19 response teams purchased, got logistics experts and the community connections from county engagement staff to help get masks for the communities in need of them.

The Federal CARES Act dollars leveraged $2.5 million to purchase and distribute 1,351,629 masks to more than 80 groups and frontline county workers. The release stated, the groups receiving masks for distribution serve populations at greater risk, such as elders, those with existing health problems and communities impacted by longstanding, systemic inequities that lead to health disparities.

“There are layers of protection, and the combination of wearing masks, distancing and maintaining good ventilation or gathering outside are important, powerful ways to reduce risk,” said Hennepin County Public Health Department Director Susan Palchick. “There is no magic bullet, but a combination of these tools can help prevent spread.”

Additional cloth masks are available to distribute at no cost to people in the community through community-based organizations. If organizations would like to request masks to distribute, fill out this form to make the request.

Hennepin County is also hosting a walk-up testing event on Saturday, Nov. 14 – masks will be available:

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Hennepin County Human Services Center at 1001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
• No appointment needed; registration forms will be completed at the event prior to testing.
• Interpreters are available for people.