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By Mark Rogers

Lowndes Countians are being asked to wear masks in public and there will be plenty of chances to obtain them.

Lowndes County Coroner Terrell Means discussed the need for the masks and the distribution of them across the county.

“Because we’re a COVID-19 hotspot in Lowndes County, we are trying to see if there is any possible way to give away masks in our community,” Means said. “I’ve spoken with the volunteer fire department chiefs and they gave me the OK to set up a booth or table where we will be able to give people one or two masks per vehicle. Every county is doing something different – and with us being a hotspot and it being close to the holiday, what we’re trying to do is to show the county that we’re trying our best to keep them safe – practice social distancing along with safety.”

Commissioner Joshua Simmons said he had another mask distribution to address.

“I’m setting something up to give away at least 1,000 masks in Fort Deposit on Friday,” he said. “I have about 500 already.”

County Administrator Jacquelyn Thomas said each mayor in Lowndes County had funds to purchase masks that would then be reimbursable. The county commission is part of the same program and has also purchased masks. Means said he had received 2,000 masks from Montgomery County Emergency Management. Lowndes County EMA Director David Butts said he was making some available also.

Distribution began June 30 in Hayneville, Burkville, Lowndesboro and White Hall. On July 1 the masks will be available from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Mosses, 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hicks Hill VFD and 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Collirene VFD.

On July 2, masks will be distributed at the Calhoun VFD from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and on July 3, masks will be available at the Fort Deposit VFD from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and at the Sandy Ridge VFD from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

For questions, contact Means at (334) 207-0525 0r (334) 239-1074 or the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department – Sheriff Chris West at (334) 548-2222.