Community-based N95 Distribution During the COVID-19 Omicron BA.1 Surge: 1-month Utilization and Price Implications

Masks and other non-pharmaceutical interventions can complement vaccines and treatments as a part of multilayered mitigation to reduce the burden of COVID-19 surges. Accordingly, the investigators distributed 2,500 N95s in 5-packs with informational handouts during the BA.1 surge in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA (12/13/21-1/17/22). Recipients completed a voluntary 1- month follow-up utilization survey (N=153). At 1-month follow-up, participants had used an average of 3.42 (68.4%) of the five N95s, felt safer wearing N95s (Ps<.0001), and discussed N95s with others (80.4%). A cumulative 87.9% would wear N95s again if free. Purchase intentions were price sensitive. After our distribution program, the U.S. federal government distributed free N95s, but stockpiles are depleting, and N95s are not included in ongoing policy plans. Federal governments can prepare for winter surges and new variants by developing policy plans for the ongoing distribution of free N95s.