Quebecers rejoiced yesterday a few hours from the lifting of the obligation to wear a mask in the majority of public places.

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"It was time!" exclaimed in chorus Brianna, 25, and Nicole, 27, who were sunbathing at Jeanne-Mance Park in Montreal in the early afternoon yesterday.

Since July 18, 2020, face coverings have been mandatory in closed or partially covered public places. For a time, it was also required outdoors at large gatherings such as demonstrations.

But with the arrival of summer and good weather, the vast majority of people questioned by Le Journal could only rejoice yesterday at the lifting of the measure at midnight this morning.

“It will add a lightness to everyday life. We will no longer need to stress and turn back to the grocery store because we forgot our mask,” said Alisson Goncalves Machado, 38.

However, do not throw away your face coverings right away: you will have to continue to carry them around on public transport as well as in health establishments, such as hospitals and health centers, where it will remain mandatory.

Those who have COVID-19 must also wear it when socializing for five days following their period of isolation at home.

Recommendation

The mask will continue to be recommended for the elderly and vulnerable people, such as those who are immunosuppressed.

“It is also recommended to wear a mask in the presence of these people in order to limit the risk of contagion as much as possible”, the Ministry of Health told the Journal yesterday.

In any case, even if the mask will no longer be compulsory, those who wish to continue to wear it will be able to do so, specified the Ministry, which invites the population to respect this choice left to the discretion of each.

Because even if this last big measure falls today, that does not mean that the pandemic is over.

“I encourage people to exercise caution. It is a virus whose long-term effects are poorly known, ”warned Nancy Delagrave, scientific coordinator of the COVID-STOP collective.

It encourages citizens to take advantage of the outdoors rather than air-conditioned public places where the air circulates little.