Free Masks Now Available At Everett & Sno-Isle Library Branches

February 11, 2022

Everett

Word in from the Snohomish Health District that free masks are available at the two Everett Library branches (2702 Hoyt in downtown Everett and 9512 Evergreen Way in south Everett) as well as Sno-Isle locations. Here are the details.

Click to see available locations.

With the recent Omicron surge, many Snohomish County residents have been looking to upgrade their masks for better protection. Thanks to a partnership between Snohomish County, the Snohomish Health District, Everett Public Library and Sno-Isle Libraries, residents can now get free KN90 masks at their local libraries.

“Our commitment to the community goes beyond library related resources, and we are thrilled to partner with the Snohomish Health District, Snohomish County and Sno-Isle Libraries to offer assistance with this initiative by providing convenient locations for mask distribution,” said Abigail Cooley, Director of Everett Public Library. “The Library has provided cloth and disposable surgical masks since 2020, but we’re thankful for an opportunity to provide the additional protection of KN90 masks to our patrons and community.”

Upgraded masks, like KN90, KF94 or N95, offer a higher level of protection compared to cloth or disposable procedure masks. Unfortunately, that higher quality comes with a higher price tag, especially when they can only be worn a few times before having to be discarded.

“We’re pleased to continue our partnerships with the Snohomish Health District, Snohomish County, Island County and Everett Public Library to make it even easier for everyone in our community to get a high-quality mask,” said Lois Langer Thompson, Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries. “With 23 libraries across both counties, we provide easy access to information and resources, including masks.”

Both the Washington State Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend universal masks indoors, including in school settings. Snohomish County’s most recent case rate was 1,662 per 100,000 residents for the two-week period ending February 5. Although the downward trajectory of COVID cases is a relief, the level of transmission and the ongoing strain on the healthcare system remains. There needs to be more progress in getting rates down before lightening up on masking in public.

“While masking requirements are likely to be downgraded in the near future as the Omicron surge wanes, they will still need to be worn by people completing isolation or quarantine,” noted Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District. “This will also be true for some medically vulnerable individuals, in some high-risk settings, and by all of us the next time cases and hospitalizations go back up.”

The masking requirement is established at the state level by the Secretary of Health’s order for masking in public indoor settings and the Governor’s proclamation with requirements for worker health and safety. Governor Inslee has indicated masking requirements are under review and adjustments are anticipated. Until that time, the Health District recommends, and the Local Health Officer’s order requires, that residents, employers and organizations continue to follow the state requirements.

“We’ve made great progress getting through the pandemic together, and these masks will allow those who need them to stay safe,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “While the Omicron threat is receding, we don’t know what’s in the future. With these supplies, we are ready for whatever comes next.”

For more information about masks and where to find free masks at the library, visit www.snohd.org/masks.



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My Everett News is a hyperlocal news website featuring news and events in Everett, Washington. We also cover City of Everett information and items of interest to those who live and work in Everett.

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