If you receive a delivery of masks in the coming month, don't worry, it's not a new scam or strange conspiracy -- it's just the state of Ohio working to help folks aged 65 and over stay safe while the pandemic continues this winter.
The Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Department of Health plan to mail 10 million disposable face masks throughout the state this month to 2.1 million Ohioans. Each mailer will include five masks and information about staying healthy through the coming winter months.
"The science is clear: Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth helps protect you and those around you from COVID-19," said Ursel McElroy, director of the Department of Aging, in a press release. "We are thankful for the fast work of our partners at the Department of Administrative Services to get these mailers into the hands of the most at-risk Ohioans in response to the current surge in cases and over the holidays."
The state identified recipients of the mailer through the Department of Aging's Golden Buckeye program.
The mask mailer is the second phase of the state's campaign to get masks directly to older, at-risk citizens. Over Thanksgiving, agencies delivered masks to individuals in community living centers. The program is utilizing funding allocated to the state from the federal CARES Act.
