Alberta has seen another 98 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 1,348.

One woman in her 80's at the McKenzie Towne long term care centre has died in the last day bringing the total to 24 deaths so far.

Premier Jason Kenney says the Province moved quickly to build a stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the beginning of the pandemic large enough to cover possible outbreak scenarios.

He says some of that stockpile is a result of the Province's influenza pandemic plan.

"We're in good shape today, but to stay that way we're announcing measures to ensure that we have adequate supplies of the three main types of protective masks," he says. "We estimate that we currently have, based on the current level of usage and our projected models for usage, we believe that we have approximately one months supply of N-95 masks, but we are constantly seeking more supplies in ordering supplies around the world and of course we hope to participate in domestic procurement efforts here in Canada and Alberta."

He says with all the talk about medical and non-medical masks the government's decided to make a move.

"The Government of Alberta is undertaking a mass procurement of non-medical masks for future use by the general public. It's very important for people who choose to wear masks that if they are used improperly they can actually increase the risk of infection."

They can become contaminated on the outside when touched by your hands. When wearing a mask take the following precautions to protect yourself.

  • avoid touching your face mask while using it
  • clean a cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled
  • put it directly into a washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine and then be disposed of
  • cloth masks can be laundered with other items using a hot cycle and then dried used the highest temperature setting
  • non-medical masks that can't be washed should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get wet, soiled or crumpled
  • masks should be disposed of in a lined garbage bin
  • wash your hands before putting on and again after taking off the mask.

Premier Kenney will hold a televised update Tuesday night to provide Albertans with an update on modeling of future COVID-19 numbers.