Editor:
The announcement by Minister of Health Tyler Shandro that the government will be distributing masks to all Albertans "at no cost" and that it "will help Albertans get back to work and enjoy everyday activities" may be a bit misleading and costly.
These single-use non-medical grade masks are generally not intended to be used for more than three hours, and then discarded. So the four-pack of masks will get you through a day, although they won't protect you.
At a cost of approximately $20 million for the first distribution, $20 million for the second as well as another $350,000 to get them to more remote areas, it doesn't seem to me to be the best use of $40 million.
Surely that money could be used more effectively during this pandemic.
I do not understand picking fast food establishments to distribute the masks. What an incredible boon for them. They are probably dancing with glee.
Amusingly, Shandro said that these fast food companies are not charging the government for distributing the masks.
In a sane world, it would be concerning that 90 per cent of Albertans live within 10 kilometres of one of these fast food restaurants.
But with Premier Jason Kenney's approval ratings still languishing below 50 per cent, why not try a feel good gesture.
But please don't be mislead about the efficacy of these masks.
Marilyn Foxford,
Canmore
