Alberta government's mask program to begin at end of May

EDMONTON -- Alberta will begin handing out more than 40 million non-medical masks by the end of May, according to Premier Jason Kenney. 

On Wednesday, Kenney announced the program ahead of the province's daily COVID-19 briefing. 

"We will be able to provide a limited number of masks for people for the foreseeable future," said Kenney. 

The government is still working out the distribution plan for the masks. 

The province has recommended people wear a mask when leaving their home if it's not possible to maintain two metres of distance from other people. 

"Let me be clear, wearing a mask does not replace other important measures," said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health.

"Think of masks as that last line of defence in the event other measures are not possible.​"

She also tweeted out several tips on how to properly wear a mask. 

Face mask DOs:
✅Make sure it fits well & doesn't gape at the sides
✅Wash your hands before putting it on & after taking it off
✅Wear masks for a short time
✅Carry a bag with clean masks & a plastic bag that can be used store used masks until they can be washed at home (2/3)

— Dr. Deena Hinshaw (@CMOH_Alberta) May 14, 2020

Face mask DON'TS:
❌Don't re-use masks or share them with others
❌Don't wear a mask that is damp or soiled
❌Don't touch your face while wearing the mask
❌Don't move or adjust the mask while it is on your face (3/3)

— Dr. Deena Hinshaw (@CMOH_Alberta) May 14, 2020

Earlier this week, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said he "strongly recommends" that Quebecers wear face masks when they are out in public.

Some businesses are requiring people who enter to wear masks. All air passengers on flights in Canada are also mandated to wear face coverings.

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  Here are some tips on how you should wear cloth masks and what to do with it after each use to get the most protection out of it.