Free masks once again available

By Janet Kanters, Editor

Starting on July 13, free non-medical masks will be back at A&W, McDonald’s Canada and Tim Hortons locations across Alberta.

In June, 20 million masks were distributed through these restaurant partners, as well as within municipalities, long-term care facilities, First Nations and Metis Settlements, and other organizations.

Alberta is the only province in Canada to offer free masks. The initiative is a key part of Alberta’s relaunch strategy to safely reopen the economy while protecting Albertans from COVID-19.

In addition to the masks being resupplied to restaurant partner locations, the government is also providing more masks to municipalities without easy access to a restaurant partner location, First Nations and Metis Settlements, places of worship, seniors organizations and independent living facilities, long-term care and supportive living facilities, women’s shelters, homeless shelters and street outreach programs, and other organizations that have highlighted a need for masks.

While mask use is currently not mandatory in Alberta, some businesses are either urging or requiring mask use.