Free N95 mask distribution in Florida could begin as early as Thursdayat CVS pharmacies, while other mask giveaways will start Friday and more will be held in the coming days.

The Biden administration recently announced that it would distribute 400 million of the high-quality face masks free to Americans. The mask will come from the Strategic National Stockpile, which has a supply of more than 750 million.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance on mask types. According to the CDC, cloth masks provide the least protection against the coronavirus, “layered finely woven products offer more protection, [and] well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection.” Well-fitting N95 masks — also called respirators — “offer the highest level of protection.”

National and local pharmacy chains that were part of the federal COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be distributing the masks, and distribution has already started in some parts of the country. Each person is limited to three masks and the giveaway is first-come, first-serve.

Here’s what you need to know:

CVS

A CVS spokeswoman on Wednesday said that the masks will be given away inside both CVS Pharmacy stores and CVS pharmacies located inside Target.

“Inventory is expected to begin to arrive at these locations as early as Thursday and will continue on a rolling basis as additional supply becomes available,” the spokeswoman said.

Our Administration is making 400 million N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile available for free to Americans.

N95 masks will be available for the public to pick up at tens of thousands of local pharmacies and health centers.

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2022

Walgreens

The first stores will get masks Friday “and will continue on a rolling basis in the days and weeks following,” said spokeswoman Karen May, from the Walgreens’ Illinois headquarters, in an email statement. “Participating stores will have signage indicating mask availability.”

On Wednesday, just two days before the rollout, the pharmacy giant didn’t yet confirm which stores throughout the country will get the masks.

Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más, and Harveys Supermarket

The masks will begin arriving in the grocer’s pharmacy locations as early as Friday, the chain confirmed Wednesday.

A spokeswoman for Southeastern Grocers, the chain that owns Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, said that all South Florida stores with in-store pharmacies will have a supply of masks.

Walmart and Sam’s Club

Most Walmart and Sam’s Clubs locations throughout the U.S. should have the masks by the second week of February, according to a spokeswoman on Wednesday.

The masks will be available at the front of the stores.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at or 954-572-2008 or Twitter @LisaHuriash.