Richland County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton is holding two mask giveaways in Lower Richland as part of the County’s continuing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Face coverings will be available first come, first serve at the free, drive-thru events.

“Mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. I want to make sure residents in my community have more than one opportunity to pick up face masks that can help protect them and others,” said Newton, who represents District 11. 

Residents can pick up masks at the Richland County Sheriff's Department Substation, 2615 Lower Richland Blvd., Hopkins, at the following times:

• 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
• 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11

More mask giveaways are planned for the Lower Richland area in the coming weeks. The County will announce details for those soon.

The events are part of a larger effort to help residents follow Richland County’s mask requirement, which requires most people older than 10 to wear face coverings in public. The County recently acquired and packaged about 67,000 disposable masks for distribution.

For more information on the mask ordinance and upcoming mask distribution events in Richland County, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/facemasks.