Free Masks and Mask Use Regulations

WHEN AND WHERE TO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?

It is mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces in PEI regardless of whether an individual has COVID-19 symptoms or not. Face guards and spit shields do not replace masks.

Government has defined public spaces as:

• Stores and retail businesses
• Personal services and salons
• Restaurants except when eating or drinking
• Sports and recreation buildings, except during exercise or when masks cannot be worn
• Places of worship
• Workplaces open to the public
• Government buildings where public services are provided
• Buses and taxis
• Students in grades 7-12 must wear masks except during certain activities specified by the government. Visitors to schools must also wear a mask.

ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS FOR SMALL CHILDREN OR THOSE WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS?

There are limited exceptions to mask use rules:

• Children under 2 years
• Children under 5 years who will not wear a mask
• Anyone who cannot remove a mask without assistance
• Those who cannot wear a mask for valid medical reasons such as breathing problems (government advises that most people CAN wear a mask even with underlying medical conditions)

IS THERE FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE TO BUY MASKS?

Islanders can access free non-medical face masks through the following services:

Mask Central PEI Facebook Group

Islanders can visit this public Facebook group to be connected with individuals and groups who are offering free masks to those who need them. The group also provides information about organizations accepting donations of masks for distribution.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/maskcentralpei/

PEI Government via Local Food Banks

The provincial government has made non-medical face masks available for pickup through local food banks. Islanders can contact any of the following food banks to get masks for themselves or their families:

Prince County

Kensington Food Bank, 30 Garden Drive, Kensington (902-836-5060)

South Shore Food Share, 20424 Trans-Canada Highway, Crapaud (902-393-4566 or 902-218-0772)

Salvation Army Food Bank, 374 Pope Road, Summerside (902-724-5089)

West Prince Caring Cupboard (902-853-3447)

• Alberton location, 498 Main Street, Alberton
• Bloomfield location, 37947 Veteran's Memorial Highway, O'Leary
• Tignish location, 315 School Street, Tignish
• Tyne Valley location, 853 Canada Road, Tyne Valley

Queens County

Campus Food Bank, UPEI Campus, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown (902-894-2876)

Cornwall Food Bank, 5 Lowther Drive, Cornwall (902-566-3876)

Rustico Food Bank, Stella Maris Catholic Parish, 58 Church Hill Avenue, North Rustico (902-583-2095)

Salvation Army Food Bank, 158 Fitzroy Street, Charlottetown (902-892-8870)

Upper Room Hospitality Ministry, 33 Belmont Street, Charlottetown (902-892-7092)

Kings County

Southern Kings and Queens Food Bank, 222 PE-17 Montague (902-838-3191)

Souris Food Bank, 56 Main Street, Souris (902-969-1820 or 902-687-2996)