February Updates
We hope this update finds all in the Masks4Missions family happy, healthy, and hopeful as we cautiously look to brighter prospects for the remainder of 2022!
A lot is new in the COVID landscape and at Masks4Missions since our last post, and while the light at the end of the tunnel feels near, we can’t let down our guard!
Omicron cases nationally have declined more than 80%+ from their peak. Nevertheless, it’s important as ever that we remain vigilant and responsive to rapidly changing conditions and continue to get vaccinated, especially with concerning developments like the BA.2 subvariant. So, if you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, there’s no better time than now!
Pfizer’s new antiviral medication for COVID, Paxlovid, has become more available on shelves across the country as COVID cases drop. This could be a game-changing tool in the fight against severe illness from COVID—particularly for those who have not been able to get vaccinated due to underlying health conditions.
The FDA has pushed back the authorization announcement for vaccines for infants and toddlers, in order to allow for evaluation of data on three doses rather than merely two. The three dose data isn’t expected until April at the earliest, which comes as hard news to countless parents of young children across the country.
The CDC have issued new mask guidance strongly recommending the use of properly fit N95/KN95 masks rather than cloth masks, which provide substantially less protection. Masks4Missions continues as always to follow the most up-to-date CDC guidance on mask compliance and encourage all of our friends and partners to do so as well.
Our webstore is sold out! Further information about potential restocking will be provided in the weeks to come. For the time being, we encourage all to make sure to procure N95/KN95 masks if they haven’t already. If you’re looking for a way to spread the message of your favorite nonprofit as safely as possible and already have a nonprofit-branded cloth mask, consider wearing it over an N95/KN95!
Masks4Missions has donated another 12,000+ masks to the Vermont Foodbank! This builds on prior donations to the Vermont Foodbank in celebration of the one year anniversary of Vermont Mask Day. It also brings us full circle once more, as we return to serving our local Vermont community after our national expansion to all 50 states.
Speaking of full circle, Masks4Missions is honored to have been invited to chair the COVID-19 Response & Human Resources Awards Judging Committee of our 2022 American Business Awards! After we and our nonprofit partner network were recognized by the American Business Awards last year, we’re humbled to be included once more for the 20th Annual ABA Stevies awards!
As always, we remain thankful to everyone who has joined us in the fight against COVID, whether as a partner, friend, or fellow community member. We’re in this together!
Sincerely,
The Masks4Missions team
