As Omicron cases skyrocketed throughout the country, we heard that the government would send virus test kits to everyone in the United States. Not sure how they compiled that list, but I applied for ours over the internet. I think that was a few months back, when our county was in the red. Meaning, we had over 200 cases per 100,000 residents, each week. Actually, we had closer to 400 cases . So we needed those tests right away. But we just got them a couple of weeks ago. Then, they announced they were going to distribute N95 surgical masks throughout the US via pharmacies and grocery stores. Unfortunately, Biden’s masks were a little too late.
Our county Covid cases have plummeted in the past week or so, and the governor has lifted all mask mandates. Therefore , when I walked into Walgreens and saw a stacks of N95 “respirators” on a shelf near the door, I assumed they were trying to get rid of them. Especially since there was a big sign that said “FREE N95 masks.” There were about 25 respirators/ masks in each package.
I put one package in my cart, figuring there would be some glitch at the checkout. Do pharmacies ever give anything away? “As these really free?” I asked the cashier. “Yes,” she said proudly, “those are Biden’s masks.”
Ironically, most people have stopped wearing masks while shopping, since the government has told us it’s okay. However, I decided to try one during my next shopping trip. And let me tell you, they are not user friendly. Instead of hooking behind your ear, the two elastic straps must go over your head, and fit tightly. Thereby destroying any carefully blow dried hairdo. Appearance and comfort must be sacrificed for air tight protection . Which means you will seldom see anyone wearing them, even though they didn’t cost a penny. However, I would have been more than willing to wear an N95 respirator two years ago.