Quebec makes masks mandatory in indoor public spaces

Masks or face coverings will be mandatory in all indoor public spaces across Quebec, beginning Saturday, July 18.

That coincides with the start of the province's two-week construction holiday, when tens of thousands of Quebecers take their summer vacation.

"It's better to wear a mask than to be confined at home," said Premier Franois Legaultin making the announcement Monday afternoon."It's not fun wearing a mask, but it's essential."

The regulation applies to everyone age12 and up, although Legault said even children as young as two could be encouraged to wear a mask.People with a medical condition that precludes them from wearing onewill be exempted.

Legault said the government took time before making masks mandatory to get people used to the two-metre distancing rule, which he saidis the most important one to follow.

"I am asking all Quebecers to collaborate. We need to respect the two-metre [rule]," Legault said.

He alsostressedthe importance of keeping gatherings to a maximum of 10 people.

The indoor mask regulation will apply to retail stores, malls and recreational centres and any other enclosed public space, including restaurants, whenever someone is not seated at atable.

Business owners are responsible for applying the new regulations. If they fail to,they could face fines of between $400 and$6,000.

To start, only businesses will face fines

As of Aug. 1, individuals who refuse to wear masks could also face fines. For now, that won't happen, but people without maskscould be denied entry to indoor establishments.

Dr. Karl Weiss, a microbiologist and the head of infectious diseases at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital,saidwearing amask is a temporary measure that has to become as much of a habit as stopping for a red light.

"It's not a debate. It's something that everyone has to use," said Weiss. "It has to be apolitical.

"The day we have an effective vaccine, the mask will disappear."

Weiss said several studies have proventhe effectiveness of using a mask to limit the spread of coronavirus micro-droplets.

Last week, Dr. Horacio Arruda, the province's public health director, said he was evaluating the possibility of making masks mandatoryafter Montreal Mayor Valrie Plantesaid she plannedto do so.

As of today, wearing a mask or face covering is mandatory on public transit across the province.

WATCH | Quebec Premier Franois Legaultoutlines the new rules around mandatory face coverings:

Masks will be mandatory in Quebec's indoor public spaces

4 years ago

Duration 0:49

Quebec Premier Franois Legault says business owners would be responsible for informing customers that they must wear a mask while inside their establishment.

Financial impact worries businesses

In a news release, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)said although its members understand that asking customers to wear masks is important to contain the spread of COVID-19, they are concerned about the cost.

"Only 20 per cent of Quebec businesses are earning their usual income for this time of year," said the CFIB. "Many cannot afford to lose customers and will bear the additional costs of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE)."

The federation is asking for financial assistance to purchase PPE for workers.

The last thing Quebec's merchants want is to close up shop because of an outbreak of COVID-19, said Stphane Drouin of the Quebec retail council.

He saidshop ownerswill apply the new regulations responsibly, and he has faith customers will comply.

"In Montreal, many people accept that they have to wear the mask," Drouin said. "I can understand that in the regions, where there hasn't been a case for two or three months, it may require a greater social acceptability."

For tienne Cummings, director ofpublic relations and government affairs for Quebec City's chamber of commerce, the new regulation was alogical next step, although it will not be easy for merchants to turn away customers who refuse to wear mask.

He said he hopes the new rule won't discourage Quebecersfrom continuing tosupport local businesses.