OTTAWA – One of the City of Ottawa’s current vital human needs is masks for its residents.

The city’s Human Needs Task Force is looking for donations of cloth masks for residents who do not have the means to buy or access one. They will be distributed through community partners to people in need throughout Ottawa.

“Thanks to resident and partner donations, the Human Needs Task Force has distributed more than 7,500 cloth masks to the community, but there are still more than 15,000 requests for masks,” city staff released in a statement last Friday (July 17).

The city is seeking cloth masks:

• Made with two or three layers of tightly woven but breathable cloth such as cotton, flannel or quilting cotton
• Without any seams over the mouth and nose through which air may leak
• Ideally with horizontal pleats to help fit a variety of faces

To donate please email donations@ottawa.ca to set up an appointment for drop-off. You must follow physical distancing when dropping off donations. 

 “Wearing a cloth mask does not replace physical distancing, hand washing, staying home if you are sick and monitoring your health,” Ottawa Public Health released in a statement. “Staying two metres away from people you don’t live with is important but isn’t always possible in public spaces. Wearing a mask adds an extra layer of protection, especially for others in case you have COVID-19. It may also help reduce your risk in case others have COVID-19.”

For more information about cloth masks, visit Ottawa Public Health’s website and Health Canada’s website.