By Sesa Graham
MICHIGAN- On Jan. 24, Kroger and Meijer stores across Michigan announced they would be offering free N95 masks while supplies last. These masks are available at any Kroger or Meijer that has a pharmacy. Masks will be placed on a table either at the store’s entrance or in front of the pharmacy section.
“Meijer is not paying for the masks. The government is,” said a Meijer pharmacy technician. The masks are in bags of three for anyone to take on the table by the Greeter on the grocery side.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the N95 masks are the most beneficial masks protecting from the Covid-19 virus. They filter up to 95% of particles in the air, as long as the masks are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The N95 masks can range anywhere from $10 to $75, depending on where you purchase. However, counterfeit N95 masks are still being sold online, especially on Amazon. When purchasing N95 masks online, make sure that they have the wording “NIOSH” on them.
The best test you can do to make sure the mask is protecting you is to blow out a match with it on. If the flame goes out, the mask is fake, and if the flame does not go out, the mask is real.
Frequent Kroger shopper Heather Simpson said, “I was very excited to hear about Kroger offering these free masks because they can be expensive, but they are heavy-duty, so it’s worth it.” She expressed that she was elated when she found out this was happening for all the Kroger’s in Michigan.
The stores have been sent a larger shipment of the N95 masks for individuals to pick up for free, but the earlier you can get yours, the better.
