Health Minister Tyler Shandro says Albertans can get four-packs of non-medical masks at drive-thrus across the province. (Photo: Gov't. of Alberta live stream)

By Troy Gillard

Free Masks

Free non-medical masks to be available at Alberta drive-thrus

May 29, 2020 | 10:35 AM

The next time you head out for a double-double, Big Mac or Teen Burger you’ll also be able to get your hands on non-medical face masks.

Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced Friday morning that the province has brought in 20,000,000 masks to be given out for free to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Albertans can pick up masks in packages of four at the approximately 600 A&W, McDonald’s and Tim Hortons drive-thru locations across the province.

Shandro says more than 95 per cent of Alberta’s population lives within close proximity (10 km) of these locations and that using them to distribute masks will help ease the burden for taxpayers.

Distribution will start in early June. Masks will be available only at drive-thrus, and only while supplies last.

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“I want to thank A&W, McDonald’s Canada, Tim Hortons, and all of the other organizations and municipalities that have come together to help us distribute millions of masks. The collective response from leaders in government, public, and private sectors has been overwhelming and I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved,” said Shandro.

The government says it is also working with municipalities, First Nations communities, Metis Settlements and local agencies to distribute the non-medical masks to those who need them, such as people who depend on public transit.

The initiative is part of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy to safely begin removing public health restrictions and reopen the economy. For more information, visit alberta.ca/RelaunchStrategy.