South Sound Times

City of Toledo issued the following on Oct. 30

Face Covering Distribution to Lucas County Jurisdictions

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, in coordination with the Lucas County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), will make 100,000 non-washable face masks available for Lucas County subdivisions in preparation for the upcoming holiday season, including Saturday’s Halloween festivities and Election Day. This plan is part of the Health Department’s ongoing efforts to improve and protect the safety and wellbeing of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Working with the cities, townships, and village municipalities, the EOC is coordinating the distribution of face masks according to the population of each subdivision, and assuring face coverings are available to those in need. We are encouraging each jurisdiction to continue promoting the importance of face coverings in social settings and making masks available to those they serve. Lucas County’s acquisition of these masks was made possible through a donation by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

“As we approach the holiday season and head into cooler months, we do not want to see our case counts continue to rise," said Health Commissioner, Dr. Eric Zgodzinski. "The most effective thing all of us can do to slow the spread of COVID-19 is simply, wear a mask. Whenever community members are gathering with family or friends — or anyone they don’t live with — it's critical that everyone do their part and wear a mask."

The City of Toledo has coordinated with businesses, nonprofit organizations, and churches to help distribute the free masks. Adult residents may acquire three masks each at Seaway Foods, 1707 Cherry St., and outside of the Lucas County Early Vote Center, 1301 Monroe St., Saturday and Sunday. Ohio Unity Coalition’s Souls to the Polls volunteers will help to safely distribute the masks during voting hours.

Masks will also be available during “trunk or treat” events occurring at the Frederick Douglass Community Association, 1001 Indiana Ave.; Monroe Street Neighborhood Center at United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St., and Compassion Church, 3327 Airport Highway.

The city plans to restock the 10 local Stop & Go stores and 10 local Stop and Shop stores that previously received free masks to distribute, and will also distribute masks to senior centers, libraries, and homeless shelters.

As options for outdoor gatherings are limited as the weather changes, it is more important than ever to use the tools we have to slow the spread of the virus:

• Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth
• Distancing yourself 6 feet from others
• Washing hands often
• Staying home and away from others when sick

Face coverings are going to continue to play a vital role in keeping community spread low and the public safe from COVID-19 as we enter the fall and winter months. Even in small groups of close friends or extended family, it is critical that everyone wear a mask whenever they are in close contact with anyone outside their immediate household.

Original source can be found here