Mcdonald’s, Tim Hortons, A&W to hand out masks
Health minister announces plan to hand out 20 million masks to curb pandemic
EDMONTON “Would you like masks with that?”
Albertans will soon be able to order single-use masks at drive-thru restaurants across the province for free, with no purchase required.
The province is providing 20 million non-medical grade masks — four per person — for distribution at more than 600 A&W, Tim Hortons and Mcdonald’s locations starting in early June, Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced Friday. The measure is intended to help limit the spread of COVID -19 in situations where physical distancing isn’t possible.
“This program will help Albertans get back to work and enjoy everyday activities safely as we all continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout our province,” Shandro said, promising more details in “the next few weeks.”
The masks, which have three layers and ear loops, are not considered personal protective equipment and are not part of the supply of masks being sent to first responders or health-care workers, Shandro said.
“Mask use is not mandatory but we would like Albertans to have the option of wearing a mask if they choose,” he said.
Opposition NDP health critic David Shepherd said that while the plan is a good idea, it has some gaps.
“There are Albertans who may not have vehicles, may not be as mobile, maybe their area doesn’t have access to one of these particular fast-food retailers,” he said, adding that the government could work with small businesses or non-profit organizations to address those challenges.
At the press conference, Shandro said 90 per cent of Albertans live within 10 kilometres of a participating restaurant. A distribution plan is in the works for smaller municipalities, Indigenous communities and Metis settlements that do not have drive-thru restaurants.
“Even if you don’t have an A&W, a Mcdonald’s or a Tim Hortons in your community you will be able to get your four masks,” he said.
The government also plans to distribute the masks at more highrisk gathering locations such as transit and places of worship.
The fast-food companies are not charging the government to distribute the masks, Shandro said. The program is expected to cost the government less than a dollar a mask, plus $350,000 to distribute masks beyond the drive-thrus.
Tanya Doucette, who owns eight Tim Hortons restaurants in central Alberta, said she sees the program as a way to give back to the community.
“I was really proud that our brand would be considered,” she said. “We obviously have the drive-thru infrastructure so I was proud to be able to offer this assistance to our community and be able to use that infrastructure to be able to deliver the masks in a safe way to our neighbours.”
Shandro encouraged Albertans to also buy their own non-medical grade masks, as the government will not be giving an unlimited supply. A second round of 20-million masks has been ordered but has not arrived yet, he said.
Shandro said the government will rely on the honour system and dismissed concerns about people taking more than their fair share.
“Throughout the response to this pandemic, Albertans have shown us that they’re responsible. I think that’s why we’ve been more successful than many other large jurisdictions on this continent,” he said.
I was really proud that our brand would be considered.