The Biden administration will startdistributing 400 million free N95 masks to Americans fromnext weekthe largest government mask distribution effort so far, the White House said on Wednesday.

With the omicron variant sending COVID-19 infections to record levels across the U.S., federal officials encourage Americans to wear N95 masks rather than cloth face coverings. Research shows N95 and KN95 masks, when fitted correctly, are more effective than cloth masks in preventing transmission of the virus.

The N95 masks will be released from the federal governments Strategic National Stockpile, which contains more than 750 million of them, according to the White House.

Officials said that Americans shouldbe able to pick up the masks at no cost at local pharmacies and community health centers.

According to the White House, shipments of the masks will begin late next week with 3masks being madeavailable for each person, officials said.

On Tuesday, the White House launched a website where Americans can order four free rapid COVID tests kits to be sent directly to their homes.

Tests will be shipped within 7 to 12 days of ordering, officials said.

By F.Aslam