Free non-medical masks available

By Janet Kanters, Editor

Albertans can now access free, non-medical face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Strathmore and area, people can obtain up to four masks at A&W, McDonald’s and Tim Hortons drive-thrus. Masks are free and no purchase is necessary.

Masks are being distributed on the honour system, and people are asked to respect the limit of one package of four masks per Albertan to ensure everyone who wants masks can get them.

Masks have also been provided to many municipalities, First Nations communities, Metis Settlements and local agencies. This includes rural and remote communities that do not have access to a partner restaurant drive-thru and are developing their own distribution plans.

According to the provincial government, Alberta is the first province in Canada with free masks for everyone.

“We’re proud to be the first province in Canada to support residents with free masks for use in situations where physical distancing may not be possible,” said Tyler Shandro, Alberta Minister of Health, in a news release. 

According to the province, about 95 per cent of Albertans live within 10 kilometres of these drive-thrus. At this point, mask use is not mandatory; they are an option for situations where maintaining a distance of two metres is not possible.

Planning is underway to supply masks to places of worship across Alberta, and plans to distribute another 20 million masks are being developed.