Lewis & Clark County making cloth masks available

Helena - The Lewis and Clark County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is

accepting requests for cloth masks from individuals and essential businesses

in need.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the

general public wear cloth face coverings - not surgical masks or N-95

respirators - in public settings where other social distancing measures are

difficult to maintain (like grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities,

clinics, etc.). The Lewis and Clark Public Health Department encourages all

residents to follow the recommendations provided by the CDC.

The CDC does warn that face coverings should not give anyone a false sense

of security. Social distancing and hand washing are still very important

protective measures and should be continued.

The EOC now has a stock of about 500 masks with more donations coming in.

Requestors should fill out an online form that can be found on the County's

website: https://bit.ly/2ylX2k6. This form can also be accessed directly at:

https://bit.ly/3en1Bv7

Every effort will be made to fill all requests, but they will be prioritized

based on most at-risk populations and those with highest potential

exposures.

People wishing to donate hand-sewn cloth masks should go to

http://www.volunteerhelena.org/need for

details.