Non-medical face mask. (Pixabay)

By David Opinko

COVID-19

Distribution program ends with Alberta giving out 40 million masks

Aug 3, 2020 | 4:56 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has given out 40-million non-medical face masks across the province.

The government teamed up with 700 A&W, McDonald’s, and Tim Horton’s drive-thrus around Alberta to distribute 26.1-million masks.

The rest were given out to First Nations and Metis Settlements, places of worship, and transit services in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.

“I want to thank our corporate partners, A&W, McDonald’s Canada, and Tim Hortons, for their tremendous support and contribution in making this program a success,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “Through this program, we helped kick-start individuals’ efforts to acquire masks as the supply chain caught up with demand.”

Through these partnerships, the province estimates that they saved $35-million in packaging, shipping, and distribution costs.

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“We want to thank all Albertans who took part in this program, and those who continue to do their civic duty by washing their hands, practicing physical distancing, and wearing a mask when they can’t physically distance,” adds Shandro.

Distribution of masks concluded on Sunday, August 2.

At this time, the province has no plans to give out more free masks.

(Lethbridge News Now)