The City and County of Grande Prairie have launched a voluntary face mask campaign to encourage and educate residents on the appropriate use of non-medical face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Information from Alberta Health suggests voluntary non-medical face coverings are an added measure that may slow the spread of COVID-19, when used in addition to measures such as keeping a two-metre physical distance, washing/sanitizing hands frequently, self-isolating when feeling sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching your face.  Non-medical face masks can be particularly helpful where physical distancing is not always possible, such as in public transit, grocery stores, salons and barber shops, and some retail stores. 

“Our goal with this campaign is to increase access to information from health authorities and help residents understand what to do, and what not to do, when wearing a non-medical face mask,” said Mayor Bill Given. “With rising cases in the region, and thousands of students about to go back to school, it is important for us all to take collective steps to protect one another and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.” 

“We are pleased to be partnering with the City to share these great resources for residents and businesses outlining how to wear a mask properly to help ensure they are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Reeve Leanne Beaupre. “There are many retail stores in the region already requiring people to wear a mask when entering the stores, so it is important people understand how to do it properly, otherwise the mask isn’t going to help.” 

Businesses wanting to display educational posters at their location may contact ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com to arrange a poster pick-up/drop-off. Later this week, print materials will be made available at masktogether.ca for download and print. 

More information on voluntary masking is available at masktogether.ca. The City and County thank all residents for their perseverance and their willingness to help and protect each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.