Free face masks will be distributed in some of Manatee County's most impacted COVID-19 areas

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Free face masks will be distributed in some of Manatee County's most impacted COVID-19 areas
Posted on 05/07/2020

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 7, 2020) – Manatee County residents in some of the area's most impacted COVID-19 communities have a chance to get a free face mask to guard against the coronavirus.

The distribution opportunities will take place in some of Manatee County's most populated ares. County Commission District 2, served by Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, consists of the unincorporated areas around Bradenton and Palmetto on both side of the Manatee River; and County Commission District 4, served by Commissioner Misty Servia, in the areas of South Manatee County.

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. 

South County/Tallevast distribution

Commissioner Servia distributed nearly 700 masks to neighbors in her district at events last week. She'll give out even more Monday, May 11, 9 - 10:30 a.m. at the Transit Fleet Facility at 2411 Tallevast Rd. Commissioner Servia will offer gel hand sanitizer refills to anyone who brings a pump or squeeze container.

"There's been a great response to the face mask giveaways we've done in the past, so I know the need is out there," said Commissioner Servia. "The whole community response has been phenomenal and I'm so happy to be able to bring some help to the residents of the Tallevast area."

Palmetto, Bradenton distribution

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy recently worked with Figgers Wireless and MCR Health to obtain several thousand KN-95 face masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The face masks will be distributed at all MCR Health locations in Manatee County Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to receive a free mask. (Limit one per person. Must be present to receive a mask). Masks are available while supplies last.

Masks are also available via drive-through distribution during the hours of noon and 2 p.m. at three youth centers in Manatee County while supplies last:  

  • Palmetto Youth Center, 501 17th St W, Palmetto
  • Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St E, Palmetto
  • 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St E, Bradenton

"Many people in my district not only have a great need for protection against the coronavirus, but many others are wanting to step up and offer a hand to their neighbor," said Commissioner Bellamy. "I'm proud that we've been able to forge a partnership with Figgers Wireless and MCR Health to get needed resources into the homes of our residents in most need. These face masks will help protect thousands of people from the spread of germs."

“I applaud Commissioner Bellamy’s desire to provide much needed masks to some of the most impacted area’s of our community and we are honored partner with him and Figgers Wireless in sponsoring and distributing over 10,000 free masks to members of our community,” said MCR Health President and CEO Patrick Carnegie. “We are proud to be on the front lines providing testing and treatment to combat COVID-19 and this collaboration will potentially help prevent thousands in our community from being infected with this virus.”

Members from the community may visit the front desk at any of MCR Health's sites in Manatee County, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to receive a free mask. (Limit one per person. Must be present to receive a mask). Masks are available while supplies last.

The free face masks being given away are disposable, but they can be used more than once if they are not soiled. Use clean, sanitized hands whenever a disposable face mask is put on or removed from the face. If the mask is clean after wearing, it should be folded in half (lengthwise or widthwise) and then folded so the outside surfaces touch each other. Place the folded mask in a sealed paper bag or, if you use a plastic bag leave it open.

View the latest on Manatee County's community-wide effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by visiting www.mymanatee.org/COVID-19 or text ManateeReady to 888-777. For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.