Non-medical face mask. (Pixabay)

By David Opinko

Free face masks at fast-food chains in Alberta now available

Jun 8, 2020 | 10:16 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Nearly 600 A&W, McDonald’s, and Tim Hortons locations across the province are now distributing non-medical face masks.

LNN reported in late May that the Government of Alberta would be partnering with the three chains as a means of distributing 20-million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the public.

The restaurants will be giving away packs of four disposable masks at drive-thrus “on the honour system,” meaning the province is asking people to not take an unnecessarily large quantity for themselves.

“People are asked to respect the limit of one package of four masks per Albertan to ensure everyone who wants masks can get them,” reads a media release from the provincial government.

This method was chosen because approximately 95 per cent of Albertans live within a 10 km radius of at least one of these companies’ drive-thrus.

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“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,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “Thank you to our restaurant partners, franchise owners and staff members, who are volunteering their time and effort to distribute these masks.”

The government is also working with municipalities, First Nations, 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.”

Masks are being provided to seniors facilities and organizations that support seniors and other vulnerable populations.

Officials with Alberta Health are reminding the public that, while the use of face masks is not mandatory, it is encouraged as a means of limiting the spread of COVID-19 where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of two metres from others.

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