While the history of the west is a saga that includes masked men and bank robberies, masks in the age of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 mean something completely different. When Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Public Health and Environment announced that beginning April 15, non-medical masks would be required attire for all out conducting essential business in public, it created an immediate market for an apparel item that had previously been nonexistent.
His and hers masks. Photo by Katie Terry
A collaborative effort among Chaffee County Public Health and Chaffee County Emergency management, together with Salida-based Oveja Negra bikepacking gear manufacturer, is helping to solve the need for non-medical masks. Oveja Negra is manufacturing cloth face masks for free community allocation.
A free community face mask distribution will be held this Wednesday, April 15, Touber Building 448 E. 1st Street in Salida, at the west side parking lot on C St. Chaffee County Public Health staff will be outfitted in protective wear to distribute to community members in their vehicles, or if they walk (or bike) up. The distribution will open at 3 p.m., with a limit of no more than three masks per vehicle, while supplies last.
“The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has announced that up to one in four people infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic and spreading infected respiratory droplets. If people wear face coverings, it will help reduce spread,” said Chaffee County Public Health Nurse Emily Anderson. “We also ask that all critical businesses ask their employees to wear face coverings. We all must work together to protect our most vulnerable community members, sustain our healthcare system for the months ahead and slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Donations to support the program are being accepted. For any questions, please call Chaffee County Public Health 719-539-4510.
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