Premier Kenney won’t mandate masks in Alberta, advises wearing them
Posted Jul 16, 2020 7:52 am.
Last Updated Jul 16, 2020 8:55 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was asked again on Wednesday if he has any plans to make masks mandatory in the province, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
The premier said although he won’t mandate it, he does advise everyone wear them to prevent a lockdown situation like earlier this year.
READ MORE: UK demands the public wear face coverings in shops
“We want to do everything we can to avoid widespread disruption of economic and social activity in the future,” said Kenney. “If we get a significant second wave, one way we can maximize our freedom is through the personal responsibility of using face coverings and masks.”
Though Kenney is against the idea as a provincial measure, he has no problem with cities mandating their use in some situations.
READ MORE: Town of Banff exploring making face coverings mandatory
“I just see all sorts of problems if we were to seek to enforce mandatory masks as a legal obligation. Its something municipalities are considering in areas like transit, and if they do so, that’s entirely their decision.”
Kenney adds the province is helping through messaging and also providing 40 million free masks to the public.
