One of the educational posters that are a part of the campaign (Photo: City of Grande Prairie / Facebook)

By Shaun Penner

Voluntary mask Campaign

City, County of Grande Prairie implementing campaign on proper, voluntary mask use

Aug 24, 2020 | 5:10 PM

The City and County of Grande Prairie will be going forward with an educational campaign aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 and encouraging proper use of masks and face coverings.

City Council passed a motion at Monday’s meeting to move forward with the COVID-19 voluntary non-medical mask public information campaign. The campaign will feature posters and billboards that show how to properly wear a non-medical face mask, while also encouraging the voluntary use of such face coverings.

A joint release from the City and County states that the campaign is built on the advice of Alberta Health, which suggests masks can play a part in controlling the spread of the virus when physical distancing is not possible by limiting the exposure of saliva droplets from the mask-wearer.

“Our goal with this campaign is to increase access to information from health authorities and help residents understand what to do, and what not to do, when wearing a non-medical face mask,” said Mayor Bill Given. “With rising cases in the region, and thousands of students about to go back to school, it is important for us all to take collective steps to protect one another and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

That sentiment is echoed by County of Grande Prairie Reeve Leanne Beaupre.

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“We are pleased to be partnering with the City to share these great resources for residents and businesses outlining how to wear a mask properly to help ensure they are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Beaupre.

“There are many retail stores in the region already requiring people to wear a mask when entering the stores, so it is important people understand how to do it properly, otherwise the mask isn’t going to help.”

City Council did stress while deliberating the terms of the campaign on Monday that mask wearing is still not mandated by the City, and that the campaign focuses on encouraging the voluntary use of non-medical masks when physical distancing is not possible.

Mask use will be mandatory for anyone that boards a City of Grande Prairie transit bus, effective September 1.

The recommendations for proper mask use, as detailed in the campaign, are as follows:

• Clean your hands before touching the mask
• Inspect the mask for damage or dirt
• Adjust the mask to your face without leaving gaps on the sides
• Cover your mouth, nose, and chin
• Avoid touching the mask
• Clean your hands before removing the mask
• Remove the mask by the straps behind the ears or head
• Pull the mask away from your face
• Store the mask in a clean plastic, resalable bag if it is not dirty or wet and you plan to reuse it
• Remove the mask by the straps when taking it out of the bag
• Wash the mask in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water, at least once a day
• Do not use a mask that looks damaged
• Do not wear a loose mask
• Do not wear the mask under the nose
• Do not remove the mask when people are within 2-meters
• Do not wear a dirty or wet mask
• Do not share your mask with others

The campaign’s website can be found at masktogether.ca, where posters and print materials will be made available for download and print later this week. Businesses interested in putting up these educational posters can contact ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com to arrange a pick-up or drop-off of the materials.

“The City and County thank all residents for their perseverance and their willingness to help and protect each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.”