Security Halts Distribution of Free Masks Outside Albuquerque Hospital

MaskBlocABQ, a mutual aid network in Albuquerque, distributed 675 free high-filtration masks outside Presbyterian Hospital to patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. The group aims to advocate for the use of masks in healthcare settings, especially since major hospitals in New Mexico dropped masking requirements in April. However, security guards asked the group to leave, citing the hospital's policy against solicitors. MaskBlocABQ and similar grassroots efforts are calling for the reinstatement of mask mandates in healthcare settings and providing masks for everyone. The group has distributed 15,000 masks so far and is committed to stopping the transmission of COVID-19.