MONTREAL — Wearing a mask at all times at work will finally no longer be mandatory as of February 28, if the distance of 2 meters is maintained or if there is a physical barrier between people.
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The Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work made the announcement on Wednesday.
It is also from this date, next Monday, that teleworking will no longer be mandatory in Quebec. The authorities speak of a possible return to hybrid mode.
The CNESST indicates that the wearing of a quality mask will however continue to be required in work traffic areas.
And the mask will have to be provided by the employer, since it is considered protective equipment for work. And it will have to be a quality mask, said the CNESST.
The masks allowed are medical masks that comply with ASTM F2100 or EN 14683 type IIR standards or certain masks certified by the Bureau de normalization du Québec (BNQ) or any respiratory protective device equipped with a particle filter, type N95 or P100, said the CNESST.
In cafeterias, lunch rooms and work break rooms, distancing and physical barriers are not required during food consumption. Wearing a quality mask will however be required when there is no food consumption.
The CNESST has also indicated that wearing a mask will continue to be required in public transport.
The Commission adds that the disinfection of surfaces such as those in washrooms and their cleaning will continue to be mandatory at all times, as well as hand hygiene.
Also, surfaces that are “highly touched” during work must be cleaned on each shift.
Similarly, people with symptoms similar to COVID-19 should be excluded.
Lia Levesque, The Canadian Press