Staff photo by Fritz Busch Ron Krzmarzick of New Ulm, left, is given three 3M Particulate Respirator N95 masks from Wendy Rasmussen at the Hy-Vee Food Store, 2015 S. Broadway Thursday. Many stores including pharmacies are distributing 400 million non-surgical N95 masks from the U.S. government at no cost to the public.

NEW ULM — In an effort to protect the the public against COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing 400 million certified N95 masks in the coming weeks.

Shoppers at Hy-Vee Foods, 2015 S. Broadway in New Ulm appeared interested in the offer of up to three free 3M Particular Respirator N95 masks available at the store Thursday.

Pharmacies and other stores including Walgreens, Walmart and other retail outlets are expected to have the free masks soon if they don’t already have them.

“Mask up and maximize your protection,” read a handout Wendy Rasmussen gave to shoppers receiving masks.

“Help slow the spread of COVID by protecting yourself and those around you,” read the sheet that included a bar code for instructions on how to properly put on and take off the masks.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention lists N95 maks as the best masks for preventing COVID-19 infection.

In addition, CDC instructions on when to wear a mask include:

• Wearing masks with the best fit, protection and comfort for you.

• Those age 2 or older and not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines should wear a masks indoor in public.

• In general, you do not need to wear masks outdoors. In areas of substantial or high transmission, you may choose to wear a mask outdoors when in sustained close contact with others, particularly if they or someone they live with has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease; or if they are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines or live with someone who isnot up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.

• Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other public transportation traveling into, within or out of the United Staes and while inside U.S. transportation hubs like airports and train stations.

Other CDC information includes wearing a scarf, ski-mask or balaclava over your mask. Scarves, ski masks and balaclavas are not substitutes for masks.

Certain types of facial hair like beards can make mask fitting difficult. Masks that fit well protect you better. For a better fit, people with beards can shave or trim beards close to the face.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus