New measures will require all passengers to wear face masks during air travel

 

In a continued effort to protect against COVID-19, the federal government has announced new travel-related safety measures that will come into effect next week.

Starting at 12:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 20, all air passengers will be required to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel.

According to a recent statement from Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, travellers will be asked to cover their mouth and nose:

• at Canadian airport screening checkpoints, where the screeners cannot always keep two metres of separation between themselves and the traveller
• when they cannot physically distance from others, or as directed by the airline employees
• when directed to do so by a public health order or public health official

“Aviation passengers on all flights departing or arriving at Canadian airports will also be required 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,” the government said in a statement.

Passengers are asked to follow the current Public Health Agency of Canada's guidance on face coverings.

Travellers using marine, rail, or motor carrier/bus modes of transportation are also strongly encouraged to wear non-medical masks or face coverings whenever possible.

“Transport Canada will continue to ensure various transportation systems adapt to the most effective, preventive measures to protect Canadians,” Garneau said.