Hayat Pharmacy distributes thousands of masks, gloves on Milwaukee's north side

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A community pharmacy with locations on the north side is stepping up to provide free face masks for the neighborhood. 

More than 3,000 sets of masks and gloves were passed out by Hayat Pharmacy on Friday, April 3, keeping social distancing in mind. 

"WWe’re encouraging them to stay in their cars and we’ll bring them the masks and the gloves to their cars, occasionally if we get someone from the bus, we try to keep a distance," said Dr. Hashim Zaibak, Hayat Pharmacist.

Hayat gave away the masks at two of their north side locations, 19th and North Avenue, and 53rd and Burleigh. The area is the hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak in Milwaukee. 

"Let’s do our part, give the masks we have to the community at no charge to help hopefully flatten the curve of this COVID-19 epidemic,” Zaibak said. 

With talks of the CDC likely to update its guidelines to the general public wearing masks for whenever outside, they want people in the community to be prepared. 

"These are simple 3-ply masks,” said Dimmy Sokhl, pharmacist. “We’re just encouraging everybody to when they’re stepping out, put on their mask, try to be cautious, minimize the exposure."

Those like Steven Roush said they're grateful. 

"A good idea, and the reason I say that is because I’m watching TV and I’m noticing a lot of other countries, everybody’s wearing masks,” said Roush. 

According to experts, the medical face masks can be worn multiple times as long as they are kept clean and dry.