The director of public health of Quebec indicated Thursday followingnoon that a final decision would be made at the beginning of next week as to the obligation to wear a mask, which might be lifted on May 14.
Dr. Luc Boileau indicated in a press briefing that the pandemic situation was improving and that the data were encouraging. He also claimed that, in all likelihood, the peak of the sixth wave was “behind us”.
For the sake of caution, public health still suggests waiting a few days before announcing its position.
“The final orientation whether we continue or not will be taken at the beginning of next week”, mentioned Thursday Dr. Boileau, specifying that we had to “remain cautious” for the next few days.
The expert, however, was optimistic, saying he was confident of being able to announce the end of the mask for May 14. The final decision should be made next Tuesday.
“COVID is a peripheral topic in the news”, says Mathieu Bock-Côté
Wearing a mask was compulsory in Quebec in public places since July 18, 2020. Various rules had been added over the months, in particular concerning wearing in schools and during sports and leisure activities.
The government has already backtracked twice in its intentions to remove the obligation to wear a mask. The withdrawal was initially set for mid-April before being pushed back to the end of the month and finally set for mid-May.
July 13, 2020
Mandatory face covering or mask on public transport and ferries
July 18, 2020
Wearing a mask is mandatory everywhere in Quebec in closed public places
September 12, 2020
Start of statements of offense for refusing to wear a mask
October 8, 2020
Mandatory mask everywhere in secondary school in regions in the red zone
January 11, 2021
Mandatory mask in class in 5th and 6th year of primary school and for all students in the corridors
January 18, 2021
Compulsory procedural mask at all times in secondary school
8 mars 2021
Mandatory mask for all students from 1st to 6th grade in class in the red zone
12 avril 2021
Mandatory mask wearing in class at all levels
14 avril 2021
Compulsory mask for outdoor or indoor leisure or group sport activities
7 mars 2022
End of the mandatory mask for students in class
15 avril 2022
First planned date of the end of the wearing of the mask, postponed by two weeks
30 avril 2022
Second planned date for the end of wearing the mask, postponed once more by two weeks
May 14, 2022
Planned date for the end of wearing a mask announced by Dr. Boileau on April 28
Source : INSPQ