Several local businesses are assisting public health officials to distribute 40,000 disposable masks to help stymie the transmission of COVID-19.

Masks will be available free at Reasor’s Foods, Rib Crib and Catholic Charities, according to a news release. The masks are being donated by Saint Francis Health System.

Correction: This story has been corrected to remove an incorrect location where free masks are being distributed. They’re available at Reasor’s, Rib Crib and Catholic Charities in eastern Oklahoma. This story has been corrected.

Several local businesses are assisting public health officials to distribute 40,000 disposable masks to help stymie the transmission of COVID-19.

Masks will be available free at Reasor’s Foods, Rib Crib and Catholic Charities, according to a news release. The masks are being donated by Saint Francis Health System.

Health officials recommend people wear face masks or cloth face coverings to prevent unknowingly transmitting the potentially deadly disease.

“The point of providing masks to our visitors is to reduce the risk of the public potentially bringing the virus into the hospital,” said Lauren Landwerlin, executive director of corporate communications for Saint Francis Health System.

Health officials strongly encourage people to practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and wear a mask when out in public.

“People without symptoms can unknowingly transmit the virus through respiratory droplets when they talk, cough, sneeze or laugh,” Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart said. “Wearing a mask in public is important to protect those around you.”

Individuals can stop by any Reasor’s, Rib Crib or Eastern Oklahoma Catholic Charities locations to pick up a mask until June 30 or while supplies last. For a complete list of locations, please visit saintfrancis.com/masks

Free masks now available at local businesses and organizations around Tulsa area | tulsaworld.com