Thus, if walking outside represents no risk of being infected with COVID-19, dancing indoors, in a bar, it’s another adventure, summed up the scientist.

Clear Signals

People at risk will therefore be invited to continue to wear the mask, just as it will remain mandatory in healthcare settings, in CHSLDs, and for people recently infected with COVID-19.

Another example: Dr. Boileau thinks that a child who has recently had the disease could do without it, but that it should be considered in the case of another who has a disease, asthma, for example.

As many citizens are worried about the lifting of the mask obligation, as evidenced by many messages he receives, Dr. Boileau specifies that public health will send clear signals to help navigate.

The CNESST will also soon publish its recommendations on workplaces, which should help employers see things more clearly.

10 days notice

By mid-April, at the latest, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory in public places, it was confirmed on Wednesday. Quebec will also advance the lifting of most measures, including the vaccine passport, by two days to March 12.

Public health, however, allows itself a period of ten days from the beginning of April to send its recommendation to the government to lift the obligation to wear a mask, the time to see how the situation evolves.

If an increase in cases is possible given the spring break, a period “conducive” to social contacts, it should not continue beyond mid-April, he believes. “In mid-April, we will be again, if there has been an increase, on a downward slope and it will be correct,” added the doctor.

Will there be a new wave next fall? Dr. Boileau admits not knowing. Of course, Quebec is not immune to another variant, which compares to an “asteroid which [us] falls on it”. In any case, Quebec will be “solidly ready” for this eventuality, according to Dr. Boileau who hopes by then a “very nice and long period of calm, as long as possible”.