Transport Canada introduced new measures requiring all commercial air passengers to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during certain travel situations. The measures were set to come into effect at noon on April 20, 2020.
Passengers will be asked to cover both their mouth and nose at Canadian airport screening checkpoints, because, as Transport Canada notes, the screeners cannot always keep two metres of separation between themselves and the traveller.
Under the new measures, travellers will also be asked to wear a mask when they cannot physically distance from others or as directed by the airline employees; and 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 – or they will not be allowed to continue on their journey.
“Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible,” said Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport. “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.”
