As of today, Quebec residents will no longer have to wear a mask in most indoor spaces throughout the province.
The province’s mandatory mask term has been in effect since July 2020, for a total of 21 consecutive months, but officially ends on Saturday, making Quebec the last province to resign.
However, masks will still be required in some places, at least for now. Here’s what you need to know.
Where are masks no longer needed?
Most indoor spaces in Quebec’s daily life will no longer require a mask, including grocery stores, gyms and restaurants.
Here is a list of places where masks are no longer needed:
- Retail trade (including grocery stores and pharmacies).
- Mall.
- Restaurants and bars.
- Places of worship.
- Indoor fitness centers and gyms.
- Personal hygiene businesses, such as spas and hair salons.
- Cultural and sports sites with spectators.
- Government services.
However, Quebecers can still wear a mask indoors if they choose. Similarly, businesses may choose to enforce their own mask rule.
WATCH Quebecers react to the end of the mask’s mandate:
Montreal residents are reacting to the end of the mask term
While some of the CBCs in Montreal who spoke on Wednesday were happy to see the end of the mask mandates, others, including some immunocompromised residents, expressed concern.
What about schools?
Both elementary and high school students will be allowed to throw masks.
Students will no longer be required to wear a mask for any of their activities, whether in the classroom, cafes or walking the hallways. The same applies to the teaching staff.
Wearing a mask will also be optional in school transport, given that students will spend the whole day together.
Universities and CEGEP may come up with their own rules requiring students and staff to wear masks.
When do I still have to wear a mask?
In Quebec, masks will still be required on public transport, including taxis. Even if your destination does not require one, if you jump on a bus or subway, make sure you have a mask with you.
Dr Luc Boalo, interim director of public health in Quebec, said the province would consider abolishing the public transport mandate at a later date, but no timetable was set.
They will also be required in health facilities such as hospitals, where vulnerable populations are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19. (However, mental health facilities do not require the mask.)
There are still federal rules on wearing masks, especially in federally regulated industries. So masks are still needed when picking up an airplane or train, including at airports and train terminals.
Are there times when I still have to wear one?
Yes. The Ministry of Health clarified that masks are still recommended in certain situations, such as when you are around vulnerable people, such as immunocompromised people, the elderly and people at risk of complications.
Boalo said people should also wear a mask when they have symptoms, saying “you don’t have to be sure it’s COVID” to disguise yourself and be careful.
Those who test positive for COVID-19 should also wear a mask when close to or interact with other people for five days after home isolation.
While Quebec residents will be allowed to take off their masks in pharmacies, an order from Quebec pharmacists has asked people to keep them. It says vulnerable people often go to the pharmacy and wearing a mask would protect them and employees.
Experts also note that the masks work not only against COVID-19, but also against the flu, which is widely circulating in the province. So, if you are worried about the flu, you can choose to stay masked.
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