Canadians will be required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings on planes
Posted April 17, 2020 1:24 pm.
Last Updated April 17, 2020 2:47 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Canadians will be required to wear face masks when they get on a plane as of next Monday, the Minister of Transport announced Friday.
“Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible,” he says in a release. “However, if you need to travel, wearing a face covering is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you, especially in situations where physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained. Transport Canada will continue to ensure various transportation systems adapt to the most effective, preventive measures to protect Canadians.”
The health and safety measures are related to COVID-19 and come into effect at 9 a.m. PT Monday.
The new Transport Canada measures also require passengers on all flights departing or arriving at Canadian airports to demonstrate they have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering during the boarding process otherwise they will not be allowed to continue on their journey.
When travelling by water, travellers are also encouraged to wear non-medical masks or face coverings whenever possible.
As well, operators of ferries and essential passenger vessels will inform travellers about the need to wear non-medical masks or face coverings, and that passengers could be denied boarding if they fail to comply.
Passengers travelling by train, vehicle or transit are also encouraged to wear non-medical masks or face coverings. They may also be asked by the transportation operator to cover their noses and mouths when physical distancing is not possible.
