Four hundred million N95 masks have been distributed at available local stores free to individuals. N95 masks are the most effective to prevent the spread of COVID. Free masks will help many since masks can get costly and others believe that free masks should have been free since the beginning of the pandemic. Brandon Smith, a senior at Bob Jones High School, said, “I think this should have been a thing since the beginning of the pandemic, and the fact that it took this long is absurd to me.”

You can get these masks locally at stores like Kroger, Wal-mart, or Walgreens.

There are also five hundred million COVID tests that will be distributed between households and every home is eligible to get four free COVID tests which can take up to twelve days to be delivered. Four tests may not be enough for larger families or roommate situations. As for reliability, if someone tests positive, the test subjects are highly likely to be infected, but if the test is negative, it is only eighty-five percent accurate when it is taken. Some experts also worry that the extreme cold might affect the accuracy of the test.

If your family hasn’t signed up for free tests, you can do so at covidtests.gov. The website also mentions that it will take 7-12 days to receive them in the mail. “Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.”

 Hopefully, you can get your hands on the COVID tests and masks before they are gone.