The Alberta government is ordering masks for members of the public to wear to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On Monday, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced the province is trying to obtain more masks for medical professionals and also members of the public.
"To assist with that, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Alberta is undertaking a mass procurement of non-medical masks for future use by the general public," Kenney said.
Kenney said the province has a one-month supply of N95 masks and is trying to get more, while they have an “adequate” supply of procedural masks, which are also used in medical settings.
But Kenney said countries that have been successful in keeping the transmission of COVID-19 down have had widespread use of facemasks. These countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea have helped keep transmission down, especially in crowded environments where social distancing isn’t possible.
"The health and safety of Albertans is paramount and we want to take every opportunity to protect our citizens,” Kenney said.
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Alberta’s chief medical officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Monday masks could help battle the spread of COVID-19.
Hinshaw said it has been known for a while that people who are sick are spreading the virus.
"We also know that even with more asymptomatic transmission happening than we previously thought, all of the recommendations we have made — about keeping two metres distant from others, having close contacts of travellers or returning travellers stay home for two weeks from their last exposure — those recommendations are more important than ever,” Hinshaw said.
Hinshaw said in addition to the current measures in place, there may be an added benefit for those who are healthy to wear a face covering when they are in situations where they are unable to keep two meters apart from others.
"Wearing a non-medical mask, such as a homemade cloth mask, has not been proven to protect the person who is wearing it. However, it may be helpful in protecting others around you. This is because face coverings are another way to cover your mouth and nose, to prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating other people or surfaces.”
Hinshaw said wearing a mask may also stop people from touching their nose or mouth.
Alberta’s top doctor said the mask must be well fitted and cannot gape at the sides.
Hinshaw said residents should be aware that masks may get contaminated on the outside and they should avoid moving or adjusting the mask. Hinshaw said residents should assume the mask has been contaminated after use and it must be disposed of safely. For people who choose to wear masks, they must wash their hands before putting it on and before and after taking it off.
Hinshaw said cloth masks should only be worn for a short time so they do not trap the virus once they become damp. If this happens, the mask wearer is at greater risk of infection. Hinshaw said it may be smart to carry a bag with several clean masks and another plastic bag to store the used masks until they can be properly cleaned at home.
Hinshaw said the masks must be handled very carefully to stop the spread of the virus to others.
