When you still need to wear a mask: Quebec's new rules explained

Quebecersno longer have to wear a mask in most indoor spaces across the province.

The province's mandatory mask mandate has been in place since July 2020, for a total of 21 consecutive months. Quebec was the last province to drop its mandate.

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 required?

Most indoor spaces in a Quebecer's daily life no longer require a mask, including grocery stores, gyms and restaurants.

Here's a list of places where masks are no longer required:

• Retail businesses (including grocery stores and pharmacies)
• Shopping malls
• Restaurants and bars
• Places of worship
• Indoor fitness centres and gyms
• Personal care businesses, such as spas and hairdressers
• Cultural and sports venues with spectators
• Government offices
• As of June 18, masks will no longer be required on public transit

However, Quebecers can still wear a mask indoors should they choose to. Likewise, a business can choose to impose its own mask rule.

WATCH|Quebecers react to the end of the mask mandate:

Montrealers react to end of mask mandate

2 years ago

Duration 1:00

While some Montrealers CBC spoke to Wednesday were happy to see mask mandates end, others, including some immunocompromised residents, expressed concerns.

What about schools?

Both elementary and high schools havedropped mandatorymasks.

Students will no longer be required to wear a mask for any of their activities, be it when they are in the classroom, in cafeterias or walking in hallways. The same applies to teaching staff.

Wearing a mask will also be optional in school transportation, given that students will have spent the entire day together.

Universities and CEGEPs may come up with their own rules requiring students and staff to wear masks.

Whendo I still need to wear a mask?

In Quebec, masks will no longer be required on public transit as of June 18.

They'realso required in health-care settings like hospitals, where it's more likely that vulnerable populations could potentially be exposed to COVID-19. (Mental health establishments do not require the mask, however.)

There are also still federal rules around mask wearing, specifically in federally regulated industries. So masks are still required when taking a plane or a train, including in airports and rail terminals.

Are there times when I should still wear one?

Yes. The Health Ministry specified that masks are still recommended in certain situations, such as whenyou're aroundvulnerable people, such asthe immunocompromised, the elderly andthose at risk of complications.

Boileau said people should also wear a mask when they have symptoms, saying"you don't need to be sure that it's COVID" to mask upand be prudent.

Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 must also wear a mask when close to or interacting with others, forthe five days following their home isolation.

While Quebecers will be allowed to take off their masks in pharmacies, Quebec's order of pharmacists has asked people to keep them on. It said vulnerable people often go to the pharmacy,and wearing a mask would protect them and employees.

Experts have also flagged that masks don't only work to counter COVID-19but also influenza, which is circulating widely in the province. So if you're worried about the flu, you can choose to stay masked up.

WATCH|Masks coming off but COVID-19 not done, doctor says

Masks coming off but COVID-19 not done, doctor says

2 years ago

Duration 6:23

COVID-19 has not gone away, so planning for better air quality indoors is needed, says cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos. He also thinks many Canadians will choose to continue wearing masks.