MPR News PM Update

Jan. 27, 2022

Gov. Tim Walz says the state will distribute more than 2 million high quality masks through community groups, schools and other programs in coming weeks. The masks are part of a larger national effort to combat COVID-19 and the omicron variant, though there are signs that the latest wave of cases may have peaked in certain places.

The Walz administration says the state is distributing 2.1 million KN95 masks to community organizations, local public health agencies, child care centers and clinics and other places.

Minnesota Department Health officials are focusing on clinics with high numbers of Medicaid and Medicare patients. Federal officials meanwhile are distributing 400 million masks around the country to drug stores, clinics and other locations.

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