In an announcement made on Wednesday, Quebec confirmed that they are planning to lift mask mandates by mid-April.
Earlier this month, the Quebec government announced several different changes to the COVID-19 measures put in place, one of which included the eventual lifting of face masks. While there was no specific date given at the time, Quebecers were informed that face masks will no longer be mandatory by April.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Luc Boileau, the interim Director of Public Health, shared that the province plans to remove masks as a mandatory measure by April 15, 2022.
Quebec’s decision to make the switch follows shortly behind Ontario, as their mask mandates were lifted on Monday of this week.
According to DailyHive, “[Boileau] says public health expects an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations over the next few weeks and says a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose will be available to “vulnerable populations,” citing citizens over the age of 80 and people who are immunocompromised, so long as three months have passed since their third dose.”
Masks will no longer be mandatory in all public indoor places, which includes restaurants, bars, and venues. However, masks will still be required when using public transportation, until mid-May.
For more information on COVID-19 in the province, visit the Quebec government’s website here.