Alberta plans to distribute 20 million non-medical masks for free at hundreds of drive-thru fast-food restaurants.
Health Minister Tyler Shandro says it’s one more way to keep Albertans safe as the economy reopens after shutdowns forced by COVID-19.
Shandro says starting in early June, customers will be able to use drive-thru lanes at McDonald’s, A&W and Tim Hortons to pick up three-layer non-medical masks.
They will come in packages of four and be handed out one package per person.
The participating fast-food chains have about 600 drive-thrus in the province, and Shandro says the government is working on alternative deliveries in remote areas that don’t have that option.
Shandro says 95 per cent of Albertans live within 10 kilometres of a drive-thru.
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The government says the mask distribution program is intended to supplement an individual’s efforts to acquire non-medical masks. Albertans who wish to use non-medical masks are encouraged to purchase their own supply from local retailers in addition to using those provided by the government. Mask use is not mandatory in Alberta as they are an option for situations where maintaining a physical distance of two metres is not possible.
HOW TO GET MASKS
- Masks are provided in packages of four.
- The distribution will start in early June
- Masks will be available only at drive-thrus, and only while supplies last. No purchase is necessary.
— With Files From The Canadian Press