Stamford To Hold Mask Distribution Event On Jan. 16

STAMFORD, CT — The city of Stamford announced on Friday that residents will be able to pick-up free surgical and N95 masks on Sunday, Jan. 16 at Rippowam Middle School.

The giveaway will run Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., or until supplies last. Each resident will receive five masks. The giveaway will be set up as a drive-through event, although walk-ups or those on bicycles will be accepted.

The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases continue to increase as a result of the omicron variant. According to the latest update from the city, Stamford’s seven-day average of cases per 100,000 residents per day is at 275.

"My administration is focused on ensuring that Stamford residents have the tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 through increased vaccination and testing capacity and mask usage," Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons said Friday in a news release. "We expect that the new guidelines from the CDC will increase the demand for masks by residents. To fill this important need masks are being provided to residents at giveaway events such as the one we are hosting on Sunday."

City health officials are encouraging residents to begin their vaccine series, or get the booster shot if they haven't done so already.

"Combined with vaccination efforts, universal masking can be a powerful tool for reducing the spread of COVID-19. We are encouraging residents to think of their mitigation strategies – vaccination, masking, social distancing, testing – as tools in a toolbox that they can use to protect themselves against COVID-19," said Stamford’s Medical Advisor Dr. Henry Yoon.

There are vaccine sites throughout the city with no appointment, insurance, or identification needed. An updated calendar of vaccine sites is available here on the city’s website.

"We are grateful for the availability of vaccines for our residents, regardless of health insurance or immigration status," said Stamford's Acting Health Director Jody Bishop-Pullan. "Together we can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our city by getting vaccinated, boosted and masking indoors."