"3 Masks Per Person" Biden Administration to Distribute 400 Million Medical Masks for Free

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The Joe Biden administration in the United States announced on the 19th (local time) that it will distribute 400 million medical-grade N95 masks for free to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

According to the report, a White House official stated that starting late next week, 400 million N95 masks will be distributed at pharmacies, health centers, and other locations. This measure comes in response to the rapid spread of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. The N95 masks correspond to Korea's KF94 grade medical masks, and three masks will be distributed per adult.

The White House official explained, "Distribution will begin at pharmacies and other locations by the end of next week, and the program will be fully operational by early February," adding, "Experts agree that wearing masks is a key tool in blocking the spread of COVID-19." The masks will be procured from the federal government's strategic stockpile. The Biden administration also launched a website the day before where people can apply for COVID-19 self-test kits.