Mandatory mask until April 30

Quebecers in a hurry to drop the mask will still have to wait. Requirement to wear face coverings in public places extended at least until end of April, learned The newspaper.

If the health instruction has disappeared in all the other Canadian provinces, Quebec Public Health recommends that the Legault government maintain it for a few more weeks, while the sixth wave of the pandemic is running out of steam.

François Legault had left little doubt yesterday as to the fate of the mandatory face covering. “We could extend the wearing of the mask for a few weeks,” he said, on the sidelines of an announcement to present the CAQ candidate in Verchères, Suzanne Roy.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Quebec is currently experiencing an increase in cases and hospitalizations.

According to the most recent data, there are 1,407 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in hospitals, including 69 people in intensive care.

“Easy to apply”

Requiring the mask in public places is “a measure which is relatively easy to apply and which is effective in avoiding infections”, he insisted.

François Legault nevertheless assured that there is no question, “for the moment” of adding health instructions.

Originally, the date of April 15 had been circled on the calendar to end the obligation to wear a mask in public places.

But already, last week, the acting national director of public health was seriously considering postponing the schedule to curb the contamination.

Several experts have also spoken publicly in this direction.

This morning, Dr. Luc Boileau will announce that the mask will be compulsory at least until April 30, according to our information. And the authorities will “reassess” the situation again by the end of the month.

The newspaper reported Sunday that many Quebecers still intend to continue wearing face coverings, even after the lifting of the obligation.

CPQ rally

This announcement will coincide with the first major pre-election rally of the Conservative Party of Quebec.

Chief Éric Duhaime will confirm his candidacy in the evening in Chauveau, a riding in the Capitale-Nationale, for the elections next October.

In favor of the disappearance of health measures, the Conservatives have been taking advantage of the pandemic fed up to inflate their support in the electorate for several weeks already.

— With the collaboration of Patrick Bellerose

Here’s since when Canadians from other provinces are no longer required to wear a mask in public places

Alberta and Saskatchewan

1^er March

British Columbia

March 11

New Brunswick and Newfoundland

March 14

Manitoba

March 15

Ontario and New Scotland

March 21st

Prince Edward Island

April 7 (coming soon)