Information

Find information about the health benefits of masks.

What is the #MaskUpMetro campaign?

Wearing a mask or face-covering in public is one of the most effective methods to slow the spread of COVID-19. The goal of the #MaskUpMetro campaign is to build awareness around the benefits of wearing a mask to prevent community spread. The campaign also aims to build awareness around Avoiding the Three Cs: Crowded places, close contacts and confined spaces.

Be a community hero, save lives, mask up and remember to Avoid the Three Cs, metro!

#MaskUpMetro is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, First National Bank of Omaha, Mutual of Omaha, Greater Chamber of Omaha, Ideal Images, Mangelsen’s, Omaha Storm Chasers, Union Omaha and United Way of the Midlands.

How can I support #MaskUpMetro?

You can support #MaskUpMetro by wearing a mask in public and wherever required by establishments or your city, county or state. You can also help spread the word by sharing #MaskUpMetro assets. If you are a business owner who wants to show your support, print out a flyer or poster and place it in your storefront. You can also share assets on social media or digital displays like televisions or computers. Click here to find materials.

How do I properly wear a face mask?

According to the CDC, you should:

- Wash your hands before putting on your mask
- Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
- Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
- Make sure you can breathe easily

Masks should NOT be worn by: children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove their mask without assistance.

Where can I get masks?

You can purchase masks from most retailers or make your own.

Click here to see a DIY video from the CDC. An ASL version is here and a Spanish version is here.

Douglas County Health Department has masks for free. You can stop by their security desk for pickup at 1111 South 41st Street, Monday through Friday between 8AM and 4:30PM.

Where can I find information about the benefits of wearing a mask?

You can visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website or your local county health department. Please see below:

How else is #MaskUpMetro helping our community?

Thanks to the generosity of First National Bank, Mangelsen’s, Omaha Fire Department, Omaha Football Soccer, Omaha Storm Chasers and Nebraska VOAD we received a donation of over 10,000 masks. The following organizations received masks to distribute to individuals and families across our community.

- P4K – Partnership 4 Kids
- Girls Inc.
- Boys and Girls Club of Omaha
- OHB – Omaha Home for Boys
- Heart Ministry
- Heartland Hope Mission
- Together Inc.
- New Vision Homeless Shelter
- Intercultural Senior Center
- Generation Diamond
- International Council for Refugees
- YMCA of Greater Omaha
- Women’s Center for Advancement