The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) announced this afternoon (6.10.20) that starting tomorrow, free fabric face masks will again be distributed to the public at area clinics. Lakeland will again make the masks available at City Hall, 10001 U.S. Highway 70 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Thursday, according to Shane Horn, Lakeland city manager.
The masks, provided in partnership with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s Unified Command Group, have been declared safe for human use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Health. Effective June 1st, the SCHD stopped distribution of the black, knitted face masks provided by the State because of a chemical treatment. They were previously available at Lakeland City Hall as well as throughout Shelby County and the state.
According to the SCHD, the masks are treated with a chemical called Silvadur 930, an antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Many fabrics are treated with Silvadur 930, including sheets, pillow cases, athletic wear and underwear. EPA states once Silvadur 930 is incorporated into the fabric, it is extremely unlikely it would be inhaled; therefore, the EPA considers inhalation exposure to be negligible and not a health concern.
Within Shelby County, the masks may be picked up, while supplies last, at all Shelby County Health Department locations listed below during the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the exception of the Collierville clinic, which is open Tuesday and Thursday only. No appointment is needed to pick up a mask.
Cawthon Public Health Clinic
1000 Haynes, 38114
Collierville Public Health Clinic (Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
167 Washington St., 38017
Hickory Hill Public Health Clinic
6590 Kirby Center Cove, 38118
Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic
6170 Macon Road, 38133
Southland Mall Public Health Clinic (Reopening Monday, June 15, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
1287 Southland Mall, 38116
For more information about COVID-19 call the Shelby County Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline at 833-943-1558 or visit the COVID-19 webpage: www.shelbytnhealth.com/coronavirus
