THUNDER BAY – Travelers wishing to fly Canada's friendly skies will have to have a non-medical mask on their person or they won't be allowed to board.
The new regulation comes into effect at noon on Monday, according to Transport Canada.
According to Transport Minister Marc Garneau, passengers will be required to wear a mask at airport screening checkpoints, when they cannot physically distance from others and when directed to do so by airline authorities.
They'll also be required when directed by a public health order or official.
The rule applies to most passengers, who must be able to show they have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering or they won't be permitted to board. Children younger than two and passengers with breathing difficulties not related to COVID-19 are excepted from the regulations.
For identification purposes, at the boarding gate, after handing photo ID to the airline representative, passengers will be asked to lower their face covering to verify their identification. Masks may be removed while eating or drinking on the plane, or taking oral medication. Masks will also have to be lowered in Customs-controlled areas when having a photo taken in a primary inspection area.
The mask should be large enough to cover both the passenger's nose and mouth.
Marine travellers are not required to wear face coverings or masks, but it is being strongly encouraged.
“Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible,” Garneau said in a release issued on Friday.
"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.”
