County Councilperson Allison Terracio will distribute free face masks at businesses in Five Points starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.

Terracio, who represents District 5, will be joined by Columbia-Richland County Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins for the mask giveaway. They will visit establishments in the Five Points area to provide the masks, which can be given to customers who are not wearing face coverings.

The giveaway is part of a larger effort to help people comply with local mask ordinances for Richland County and the City of Columbia. The ordinances require most people over the age of 10 to wear masks in public to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

“Richland County has worked hard to support people and businesses since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic," Terracio said. "Making these masks available will help ensure that folks can follow the guidelines that allow them to safely support the businesses in our community."

The County recently acquired and packaged about 67,000 disposable masks, which are being given away at various locations.

For more about Richland County’s mask ordinance and upcoming mask distribution events, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/facemasks.