Air travellers are now required to wear non-medical masks
This story was updated on Fri., Apr. 17th at 5:44 p.m.
Canada’s Minister of Transport the Hon. Marc Garneau has announced new measures requiring all air passengers to have a non-medical mask or a removable face cover to cover their nose and mouth at several stages of their trip.
Air travelers are encouraged to wear their non-medical mask or face covering as much as possible, but they must cover their nose and mouth in the following situations:
- at checkpoints at Canadian airports, when screening officers cannot maintain a distance of two meters between them and the passenger;
- during the flight, when it is impossible to keep distance from others or according to the instructions of the employees of the air carrier;
- as directed by a public health authority or official
“Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible. 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,” Minister Garneau stated in a release.
No mask? No access!
Passengers on all flights departing from or arriving at a Canadian airport will also be required to show that they have the required non-medical mask or face covering at the time of boarding, otherwise they may be denied entry in the sterile area of the airport or boarding the aircraft.
Air carriers are responsible for advising passengers when purchasing tickets at the counter or online that they must have a non-medical mask or face cover during the trip when physical distance does not exist to avoid endangering the safety of others.
It is the passenger’s responsibility to have the appropriate face cover in their possession.
