By Dori Modney

Free Masks Distributed

Albertans encouraged to use masks as province distributes 20 million more

Jul 13, 2020 | 3:11 PM

The province is not moving to make the wearing of masks mandatory, but Premier Jason Kenney and Dr. Deena Hinshaw both say wearing a mask, particularly in crowded areas and shops, is the most responsible thing to do.

On Monday, they again encouraged residents to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To that end, the province is distributing another 20 million masks to Albertans in the second phase of the distribution.

As well as being available at McDonald’s, Tim Hortons and A&W drive-thrus, masks will also be available at restaurants, from municipalities and at courthouses and libraries. The masks will also be made available to social service agencies and churches.

Four million masks are being provided to 20 transit systems across Alberta, including Calgary and Edmonton, to be used by transit riders. 7-Eleven Canada has donated logistics support to ship and deliver these masks and distribution supplies from the government warehouse to each participating transit service.

From the supply of 20 million masks:

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• Nine million are being distributed by partner restaurants.
• Four million are being provided to 20 municipal transit system operators, including Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton, primarily for distribution to transit users.
• 7-Eleven Canada is providing logistics support to ship non-medical masks to transit system operators across the province.
• 2.5 million have been provided to places of worship.
• 900,000 are going to long-term care and seniors facilities.
• 800,000 are going to First Nations communities and Metis Settlements.
• 500,000 are going to communities without easy access to restaurants.
• 1.5 million are being offered to social services organizations to support vulnerable Albertans.
• 500,000 are going to court houses for distribution to the public attending court proceedings.
• 300,000 are held in reserve for communities that may experience outbreaks and require additional masks.

Dr. Hinshaw says that masks are just one part of personal responsibility to keep each other safe.

“When used properly, masks can protect others and help limit the spread of COVID-19,” said the province’s chief medical officer of health, who “strongly recommended” wearing a mask when people are out in public and can’t maintain a distance of two metres.

Over the weekend, the province recorded an additional 54 COVID-19 cases on July 10, 96 on July 11 and 80 on July 12. One additional death was recorded, taking the number deaths to 161.