What to know about the mandatory face mask law
It will be mandatory to wear masks in indoor public venues in Quebec starting today.
The new law will require citizens (age 12 and older) to wear a mask or face covering that covers the nose and mouth in enclosed or partially enclosed public places.
Quebec is the first province in Canada to enact such a law during the COVID -19 pandemic. The law goes into effect just as Quebec’s annual construction holiday (July 19Aug. 1) begins.
Here are some answers from government sources to frequently asked questions about the new mask law.
Q Do I need to wear a mask or face covering to enter a bar or restaurant?
A Yes, but obviously you can remove the mask while eating your meal or having a drink.
Q Whose responsibility is it to ensure the public adheres to the law?
A Business owners could be fined between $400 and $6,000 if they fail to ensure their clients wear masks.
Q Where will this law apply?
A
■ Professionals’ private offices
■ Places where municipal or government services are offered
■ Service companies
■ Retail businesses
■ Shopping malls
■ Personal care businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty care)
■ Places of worship
■ Places where cultural or entertainment activities or services are offered (e.g. movie theatres, concert halls etc.), rental rooms or other venues used to host events, such as conferences and conventions
■ Places where sports or recreational activities are practised
■ Restaurants or bars
■ Common areas, including elevators, of a tourist accommodation establishment
■ Educational institutions (except preschool, primary and secondary schools), including colleges and universities
■ Train or bus stations, métro stations or airports.
Q Who is not required to wear a mask?
A Children under the age of 12. However, wearing a mask or face covering is recommended for children under 12. But it is not recommended for those under age two. Also exempted are people with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask or face covering, including those who are unable to put it on or take it off by themselves. Other exemptions include:
■ People who are receiving treatment, receiving a service or engaging in a physical activity or other activity that requires it to be removed. In these cases, their mask can be removed for the duration of the treatment, service or activity only.
■ People who remove their mask or face covering momentarily for identification purposes.
■ People who work or practise their profession in a place accessible to the public, except when they are in a lobby, reception area or elevator in an office building other than an apartment building.
■ People who are seated and respect distancing inside the following places (however, they must still put their mask or face covering back on when moving around inside the following places): In classrooms of an educational institution; in places where activities or services of a cultural or entertainment nature are offered; in a restaurant, food court or bar; in another enclosed or partially enclosed place accessible to the public where people can be seated.
Q Can I wear a face shield or visor instead of a mask?
A No. A face shield or visor may not be worn instead of a mask or face covering in places where wearing a mask is mandatory.
Q Why is it necessary to wear a mask?
A Not everyone that has COVID -19 exhibits symptoms. In fact, some people do not even realize they are infected. So wearing a mask or face covering may reduce the risk of an infected person unknowingly transmitting COVID-19 to others.