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The Dallas County Commission and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) distributed free face masks at Walmart on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Dallas County Probate Judge and Commission Chairman Jimmy Nunn said the commission came to the decision to distribute masks to the citizens of Dallas County after Selma Mayor Darrio Melton issued an executive order requiring residents to wear face masks in public on Friday and in anticipation of the large gatherings that will undoubtedly occur during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

“We just thought it was the perfect time,” said Nunn.

Nunn thanked Walmart for allowing the commission and sheriff’s office the opportunity and the said supermarket was chosen as a distribution location because it’s widely visited by people from across Dallas County each day.

Nunn also mentioned that Wednesday may be the first of many times the commission and sheriff’s office distribute masks to the residents of Dallas County.

“Next week, we may be at Dollar General down in Orrville and the week after that maybe at Dave’s Market in Valley Grande,” he said. “We’re going to continue to distribute these masks until there are none left.”

Nunn cited the guidelines from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for wearing protective face coverings in public.

“Wearing a mask saves lives,” said Nunn. “Safety is a priority of the Dallas County Commission and it’s imperative that everyone wear a mask to keep each other safe.”

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum echoed Nunn’s comments about ensuring safety for the citizens of Dallas County.

“it’s really important to keep our residents safe,” he said.