2M Free Masks To Be Distributed In Mecklenburg: How To Get One

CHARLOTTE, NC — A coalition of local government, health care and community organizations will begin distributing 2 million free masks throughout the Charlotte metro Friday, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.

"COVID-19 cases are still on the rise and the virus can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. Wearing a mask may slow the spread of the virus by preventing people from transmitting it to others," Mecklenburg County Government said in a statement.

On June 26, North Carolina became the 18th state in the country to mandate face coverings in public spaces where maintaining 6 feet of distance isn't possible.

Under the new mandate, face coverings will be required in public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, when socially distancing is difficult. The mandate also extends to employees and customers of retail businesses and restaurants. Workers in construction, meat processing, manufacturing and agricultural settings will also be required to wear face coverings. There are, however, some exceptions, such as children under 11, those with medical conditions, people at home and those exercising outside.

The stash of 2 million masks were donated to Mecklenburg County by the federal government and Atrium Health, the county said. Mecklenburg's Board of County Commissioners has also appropriated $1 million for the additional purchase of face coverings.

Here's a list of locations where you can pick up a free mask:

Atrium Health Locations

• Friday, July 3 — Atrium Health, 801 East Blvd., Charlotte, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 7 — Atrium Health, 801 East Blvd., Charlotte, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 8 — Atrium Health, 251 Eastway Drive., Charlotte, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Thursday, July 9 — Atrium Health, 801 East Blvd., Charlotte, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

YMCA Locations

• Brace Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews
• Dowd YMCA, 400 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte
• Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road, Charlotte
• Johnston YMCA, 3025 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte
• Keith Family YMCA, 8100 Old Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte
• Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson Street, Cornelius
• McCrorey YMCA, 3801 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte
• Morrison Family YMCA,9405 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte
• Simmons YMCA, 6824 Democracy Drive, Charlotte
• Stratford Richardson YMCA, 1946 West Boulevard, Charlotte