Information for tenants about face mask distribution
Calgary Housing Company will be receiving masks from the Government of Alberta to distribute to CHC tenants as part of the COVID-19 response.
Calgary Housing Company supports the health, safety and well-being of our tenants and will be distributing face masks at our more highly populated locations throughout the city. Tenants who will be able to pick up face masks through CHC will receive information directly. We expect it to take up to two weeks to repackage and distribute masks.
All Calgarians are able to access free non-medical face coverings through other services:
Other ways to get your free masks
Drive-thru locations – As of June 8 you can get 4 free non-medical masks per person at any Alberta A&W, McDonald’s Canada and Tim Hortons drive-thru locations.
*While supplies last with no purchase necessary. (Masks will not be distributed inside restaurants or at locations without drive-thrus.)
Alternate Municipal Community Providers – Albertans who cannot access an A&W, McDonald’s Canada, or Tim Hortons drive-thru location may be able to get their allotment of four masks from an alternate providers. [View PDF]
Alberta 211 – Call 211 if you cannot access a drive-thru partner and are not able to access masks through alternate municipal or community providers.
Fast Facts for Non-Medical Face Masks
Refer to the complete information from the Government of Alberta [alberta.ca/masks]
Why use a mask
Albertans are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public when it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres at all times.
- 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.
- See other prevention measures for more.
When to use a mask
When it’s difficult to maintain 2 metres distance from people for a prolonged period of time:
- public transit and airplanes
- grocery stores and pharmacies
- hair salons and barbershops
- some retail stores
When not to use a mask
- If it’s dirty or damaged in any way
- If it gaps or doesn’t fit well
- If it’s been used by another person
- Children under 2 years of age
- Anyone that has trouble breathing
- When you are only with people from your own household
How to use a non-medical face mask
Refer to the complete information from the Government of Alberta [alberta.ca/masks]
How to Wear a Non-Medical Face Mask Handout [PDF]
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.
- Guidance for wearing non-medical masks
What to do
- Wash or sanitize your hands before putting a mask on, before taking it off and after taking it off.
- 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
