INDIANAPOLIS — Free N95 masks are starting to become available at stores and pharmacies in Indianapolis and central Indiana.
Last week, the Biden administration announced it would make 400 million N95 masks from the government's Strategic National Stockpile available for free.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said properly fitted N95, KN95 and KF94 masks offer stronger protection than cloth masks against the COVID-19 omicron variant.
MORE | How you can get free at-home COVID-19 tests from the US government
Here's how to get a free N95 mask at stores in Indianapolis and central Indiana.
Walgreens
A spokesperson for Walgreens said it will have three N95 masks available per customer and is expecting the masks to be available in select stores starting Friday. Participating stores will have signs out front with information on available masks.
CVS
On Wednesday, CVS released the following statement:
Through our participation in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, we’ll be offering free N95 masks provided by the Federal Government at CVS Pharmacy stores and our pharmacies inside Target and Schnucks. Inventory is expected to begin to arrive at these locations as early as Thursday, January 27 and will continue on a rolling basis as additional supply becomes available. Masks are limited to three per person, while supplies last, and signs will be posted to indicate N95 mask availability. Our distribution of these masks is an extension of our commitment to providing equitable access to the tools necessary to fight COVID-19, including testing, vaccines and authorized therapies.
Meijer
On Monday, Meijer said it received an estimated 3 million N95 masks and will be giving them to customers who need them as they enter stores.
"The N95 masks will be in boxes set on a table near the Meijer Greeter stand of the grocery entrance," a press release from Meijer read. "The Greeter, who will be wearing gloves, will place the N95 masks in piles of three for the customers to take."
Walmart
Walmart anticipates it will have N95 masks available at more than 5,100 Walmart and Sam's Club locations by the second week of February.
The masks will be available at the front of the stores. Each customer will be able to get three masks while supplies last.
Kroger
In a press release on Tuesday, Kroger said it anticipated getting the masks on Thursday, Jan. 27. But on Wednesday, Kroger announced it is still awaiting distribution from the federal government.
“Kroger is grateful for the ongoing role we’re able to play in helping help our associates and customers protect themselves and our communities against COVID-19," a statement from Kroger on Wednesday read. "At this time we are awaiting our distribution of masks from the Strategic National Stockpile and are prepared to make them available to the public as soon as we receive them.”
Each customer will be able to get up to three masks. Customers at a Kroger store with a pharmacy should look for the branded display or ask an associate to get the masks.
WRTV has reached out to other stores. This story will be updated.
-
Caitlin Clark scores career-high 35, Kelsey Mitchell adds 30 as Fever beat Wings
Indiana (20-19), which was coming off back-to-back losses to the two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, clinched the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, which begin next Sunday.Richardson's inexperience shows as he throws 3 INTs in Colts' loss to Packers
Richardson went 17 of 34 for 204 yards with one touchdown pass to go along with the three INTs. He rushed for 37 yards on four carries.Pedestrian struck by IMPD officer’s patrol car dies at hospital
IMPD says the pedestrian was crossing the street on Michigan Road when the officer turned out of a parking lot and struck him with his marked patrol car.Saraga International Grocery celebrates 30 years at westside location
The grocery store, known as the hub for global groceries in Indianapolis, says the celebration reflect the cultural richness Saraga has brought to the city.