Free Facial Mask Distribution begins Wednesday in Polk County

Bartow, Fla. (July 14, 2020) — Beginning Wednesday, July 15, residents who need facial coverings to help protect themselves and others from spreading the COVID-19 virus may get them free at nearly 30 sites throughout Polk County, including the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear face coverings when outside of their homes, in public settings, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. The Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution last week that strongly recommends wearing facial coverings following these CDC guidelines.

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners, which purchased the masks for residents from funds available from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant, is providing disposable three-ply earloop masks free to the public.

Residents may receive up to three (3) masks per person. You may also pick up masks for a family member or someone unable to pick up for themselves. These masks are reusable until they become damaged, dirty or wet.

“COVID-19 is not going to go away anytime soon,” said Board Chair Bill Braswell. “We each have a responsibility to protect ourselves, and each other, by following the CDC guidelines for social distancing, frequently washing our hands and wearing facial coverings in public when appropriate. Our Board is committed to helping make this possible for all residents by providing masks to those who do not have access to them.”

Distribution locations in municipalities will set their own hours when they are open to dispense masks. Those participating governments and organizations will announce their times and locations via their websites, social media and news releases. Residents should direct questions regarding hours to their local sites.

Tomorrow (July 15), more than 20 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) affiliated with Polk County Fire Rescue will be in their neighborhoods distributing masks. Distribution at county offices may be expanded based upon demand, but the following Polk County sites will be open for mask distribution Monday – Friday, including:

Lakeland Chamber of Commerce: 35 Lake Morton Dr.     Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
For more information: 863-688-8551

City of Lakeland: Starting Thursday, July 16^th, Lakeland area residents who need facial coverings to help protect themselves and others from spreading the COVID-19 virus may get them free at six sites within the Lakeland city limits. The City of Lakeland has designated the following locations for mask distribution that will take place Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and residents can receive up to three masks per person.

• Simpson Park Community Center – 1725 Martin L King Jr Avenue
• Lakeland Main Library – 100 Lake Morton Drive
• Lakeland Larry Jackson Branch Library – 1700 North Florida Avenue
• Lakeland Police Department Lobby – 219 North Massachusetts Avenue
• Kelly Recreation Complex/Gandy Pool – 404 Imperial Boulevard
• Coleman-Bush Building – 1104 Martin L King Jr Avenue