People in Canada are advised to keep wearing masks to reduce risk
Key Takeaways:
- While masks are being phased out in Canada, health officials still advise wearing them to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19.
- The requirement that fully-vaccinated travelers entering Canada provide a negative test result is no longer in effect as of April 1.
As masks begin to be removed in Canada, health officials continue to recommend that they be worn to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19.
Mask laws have been repealed in several provinces, including Manitoba, British Columbia, as well as Alberta. Soon, Ontario and Quebec will follow suit.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, has stated that the world is in a "period of uncertainty" regarding the pandemic and that the coronavirus is still "undergoing evolution." "Getting vaccines and wearing a mask is still a really good idea," she stated.
The Canadian Public Health Agency is also reviewing vaccine mandates. These have been divisive, sparking the February Freedom Convoy demonstrations and blockades, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency lifted after nine days.
However, Tam stated that the government was "reexamining" these policies and that it would take "a phased approach to removing some of these policies," it was unclear when or even if they would be lifted shortly. The rules apply to the entire country's workforce and those who work in federally regulated industries and travel.
From April 1, the requirement that fully-vaccinated travelers entering Canada provide a negative test result has been removed. This will benefit Indian passengers flying to Canada. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people, on the other hand, will be subject to the restrictions. Covishield and Covaxin, two vaccines widely used in India, are approved for travel in Canada.
"As vaccination levels and healthcare system capacity improve, we will continue to consider easing border controls—and when to adjust those controls—to keep Canadians safe," said health minister Jean-Yves Duclos on Thursday.