- New mandatory public health measures in effect April 6.
- Get vaccinated: Everyone 55+. Many 16+ with health conditions. Walk-ins for AstraZeneca.
Mandatory mask requirement
Masks are mandatory in all indoor public places, places of worship, and indoor workplaces unless you qualify for an exception.
Why use a mask
Albertans are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public places or if they have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Wearing a homemade or non-medical mask in public is another tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It hasn’t been proven that masks protect the person wearing it, but it can help protect people from being exposed to your germs.
Masks should complement – not replace – other prevention measures. Continue physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick.
When to use a mask
- When mask use is mandatory:
- Indoor public places
- Indoor workspaces
- Places of worship
- K-12 schools when required
- Municipalities, if bylaws are in place
- When you might come within 2 metres of people from outside your household
When not to use a mask
- If the mask:
- is dirty or damaged in any way
- has gaps or doesn’t fit well
- has been used by another person
- Children under 2 years of age
- You qualify for an exception
How to use a mask
Masks can become contaminated on the outside or when touched with hands.
It’s important that masks are used and disposed of properly. If worn incorrectly, you can accidently spread infection instead of preventing it.
What to do
- Wash or sanitize your hands:
- before putting it on
- before taking it off
- after taking it off
- Inspect the mask, holding it by the ties or loops. Discard if damaged or dirty
- Tighten with ties or ear loops to reduce gaps
- Keep nose, mouth and chin covered at all times
- Remove if wet, torn or dirty and dispose in a lined garbage bin
- Store cloth masks in a sealed bag until it can be washed in hot, soapy water
What not to do
- Don't touch your face under the mask
- Don't touch the front of the mask – remove or adjust using the ties or ear loops
- Don't wear it under your nose or your chin
- Don't wear a wet, torn or dirty mask
- Don’t wear the same mask for a long period of time – change when it becomes damp
- Don’t share with another person
How to care for your cloth mask
- Reusable masks should be washed daily.
- Disposable filters should be changed daily or as directed by the manufacturer.
- Store masks in a sealed and clean storage bag and place in a dry area of your home.
- Put cloth masks directly into the washing machine or in a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine. Throw out the bag after you’ve used it to store masks.
- Launder with other items using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly.
- Inspect the mask for damage prior to reuse.
How to make or buy a mask
Making a mask
- There are many ways to make a cloth mask and filters. Filters add an extra layer of protection by trapping small infectious particles. Health Canada provides instructions with sew and no-sew options.
- Choose a fabric or cloth that can withstand frequent cycles through washing and drying machines
- Use at least 3 layers
- 2 layers should be tightly woven fabric, such as cotton or linen
- middle layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene
- Use different fabrics or colours for each side of the mask. This helps you to know which side faces your mouth and which side faces out.
Buying a mask
- Make sure cloth masks:
- have multiple layers of fabric
- fits securely against your face
- allows for clear breathing
- can be laundered
Masks not recommended
Medical masks
- Medical masks include N95 masks and surgical or procedure masks:
- N95 masks protect from exposure to biological aerosols that may contain viruses or bacteria. They are generally only required during specific, high-risk medical procedures.
- Surgical or procedure masks provide a barrier to splashes, droplets, saliva or spit. They are not designed to fit tightly against the face.
- Medical masks should be kept for health care workers, people providing direct care to COVID-19 patients, and people who have a high risk of experiencing severe illness.
- They may also be recommended for use in some workplaces, like salons, where there is prolonged close contact with people.
Gloves
It is not necessary to wear gloves in public. If you choose to wear gloves, remember:
- wash your hands before you put them on and immediately after taking them off
- change gloves if:
- you touch your face – eyes, nose or mouth
- you cover a cough or sneeze with your hands while wearing gloves
- they become dirty or torn
- discard gloves in a lined garbage bin after taking them off
To avoid spreading germs or COVID-19:
- do not touch your face or mask with your gloves
- do not touch any personal items (cell phone, bag, credit card) that you might touch again with bare hands
- do not to try to wash gloves or use hand sanitizer with gloves on
Personal protective equipment
Buying PPE
- Businesses can connect to suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE) through:
We do not endorse any particular vendor and are not responsible for products or prices offered on these sites.
Manufacturing PPE
- Alberta-based businesses that manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) can find out how to help at Alberta Bits and Pieces.
Resources
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How to wear a non-medical mask posters
Downloadable posters are available to share tips on how to properly put on and take off a mask.
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Help prevent the spread posters
Downloadable posters are available to share tips on ways to practice physical distancing, and let your clients or customers know your business or workplace is open.