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Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Deanna Bell
Republished May 25, 2020 - 12:02 PM
Original Publication Date May 23, 2020 - 7:00 AM
If you're looking to buy a mask, there are two things you need to know: where to get them, and how to use them effectively.
Although personal protective equipment has been hard to come by throughout the pandemic, some businesses are now providing masks for the general public.
If you're looking to buy a mask, here's what you should know.
Wearing a mask does not replace other preventative measures
In a press conference May 19, B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry stressed that masks are only an addition to things like safe distancing, washing hands and staying home when sick.
Non-medical masks help prevent the wearer’s droplets from hitting others but do not protect the wearer from others. N95 medical masks help protect both.
Dr. Henry recommends wearing a mask in situations where social distancing is not possible, like on public transit or shopping in small stores.
It's also important to continue to refrain from touching your face, even while you're wearing a mask.
Cloth, non-medical masks recommended to prevent asymptomatic transmission
Wearing cloth and non-medical masks are an additional measure to prevent those who are asymptomatic from spreading COVID-19, Dr. Theresa Tam said in an April 6 media briefing.
However, she stressed that these masks have not been proven to protect the wearer, and other safety procedures should be still be followed.
Prime Minister Trudeau said this week that if Canadians want to avoid more pandemic-induced lockdowns, they should wear a mask in public.
Some businesses are asking customers to wear masks
As businesses have begun to re-open, some are adopting new protocols to ensure their customers' safety.
Starbucks is re-opening many of their coffee shops, and they are requesting that customers wear a mask inside the café. Costco is also asking their customers to do the same.
Before you visit a business, it may be wise to check their most recent changes to protocol to ensure you arrive prepared.
Where to buy masks
Different types of masks are available for purchase by the public in the B.C. Interior. Here is a list of where to find them.
Cloth masks
Sew the Curve, Kamloops
Some Kamloops locals are making masks and taking orders online. Click here to find a directory of seamstresses and their contact information. Pricing, delivery options and mask style vary with each provider.
Grey Hearts Denim, Kelowna
Grey Hearts Denim is a local clothing company that specializes in re-working and re-purposing vintage finds. They shifted to making masks in light of the pandemic.
The Market Bags, Kelowna
The Market Bags in Kelowna is making masks with up-cycled materials.
Order your cloth mask online here.
Our Footprints, Kamloops/ Kelowna
Our Footprints is selling masks through their online store. They offer in-store pick-up and home delivery in Kelowna and Kamloops.
Beauty in the RAW, Kamloops
The salon is providing masks for customers by donation, and are selling masks for the public as well. They are $15 each, to purchase call (778) 220-2856 or pick-up in store.
To order a mask, click here to visit their website.
Black Cat Designs, Kamloops
To view fabric selection and mask styles, visit the Black Cat Designs Facebook page. To place an order, send a direct message to the page.
Pickup is offered in Dufferin or home delivery within the Kamloops area on Fridays.
Thompson Tailors, Kamloops
Thompson Tailors is selling masks for the public, to order call (250) 682-2084. To see photos of some of their masks visit their Facebook page.
Unicorn Wishes, Kamloops
Unicorn Wishes is making cloth masks, for $8 each. To order, send a message with your request to the Unicorn Wishes Facebook page.
Art Up Studios, Penticton
To browse their cloth mask selection and styles, visit the Art Up Studios Facebook Page.
To order, text text 250-462-8783 or send Art Up Studios an email.
Ethimask, Penticton
Ethimask sells ethically sourced re-usable face-masks, made in Penticton. To order, visit their website here.
Jennifer Cline, Penticton
Two local women are making masks from home. Basic pleated masks with a filter pocket are $5, and they are accepting custom orders on request.
All masks have a wire around the nose, with fabric ties. Latex-free elastic is available.
To order, send Jennifer Cline a message on Facebook. Orders can also be filled for the Kelowna and West Kelowna area.
Stephanie Perry Fine Art and Illustration
A Penticton artist is adding her own illustrations to cloth masks. Buy them online through her TeePublic account.
Bits of Threads, Vernon
Bits of Threads is selling cloth masks, to order send them an email. To browse selection and styles, check out their Instagram page.
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Whitecaps and the aquarium have teamed up to sell face masks, with net proceeds helping to save the aquarium from bankruptcy due to their COVID-19 closure.
You can order cloth masks online through the Vancouver Aquarium Gift Shop.
Staples Canada
You can order masks online through the Staples website for delivery directly to your home.
Disposable masks
Walmart
You can order a pack of disposable masks online through the Walmart website for pick-up at any store in Okanagan.
London Drugs, Kamloops
London Drugs sells disposable masks in store, in small packages and in a bulk set of 50.
Your Dollar Store with More, Kamloops/ Kelowna
The Dollar store sells disposable masks in packs of 50, single N95 masks and single reusable cloth masks.
Have we missed anyone? Let us know in the comments below.
— This story was updated at 11:58 a.m. Monday, May 25, 2020 to add mask sellers in Penticton, Vernon and Kelowna based on reader submissions. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
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