As of noon on April 20, Canadian airline passengers must wear a non-medical face mask covering their mouth and nose while travelling.
The directive, designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, was announced by Transport Canada on April 17.
“Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in a news 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.”
Passengers will have to cover their mouth and nose while at Canadian airport screening checkpoints, or as directed by airline employees or public health officials.
Canadian fliers on all departing or arriving flights will have to demonstrate they have the necessary mask or they won’t be permitted to continue their journey.
In Northern Ontario, this directive will apply to passengers flying on Bearskin Airlines and Air Canada flights, as well as North Star Air, Wasaya, Thunder Airlines, and other airline providers.
Porter Airlines, which usually operates flights to Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and Timmins, temporarily suspended operations on March 20. Service is expected to resume on June 1.
Passengers travelling by marine, rail, or motor coach are being encouraged to wear masks or face coverings as well.
Transport Canada said passengers using those methods of transportation may be asked to cover their noses and mouths when physical distancing isn’t possible.
