Quebecers Working Outside Can Now Take Off Their Masks In Extreme Heat

Here's how the government defines "extreme heat."

Quebec Mask Rules Change For Workers Outside In Extreme Heat
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Staff Writer

The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) and the Quebec government have declared a new mask rule for people who work outside in extreme heat.

When there's an Environment Canada heat warning, it won't be mandatory to wear a mask if you're working outside.

Environment Canada issues a heat warning when:

  • There are temps of 30 C or more along with a humidex of 40+ "for at least one hour" or
  • The temperature is 40 C or higher

"Due to the summer heatwaves and the risks associated with excessive heat, we have taken the decision, in collaboration with the CNESST and the public health authorities, to permit the removal of quality masks in the workplace," said Labour Minister Jean Boulet in a press release.

Once the extreme heat is over (i.e. once the temperature dips below 30 C), it's back to wearing masks outside, however.

As of August 1, Quebec instituted several new COVID-19 rule relaxations including the extension of alcohol service in bars and more spectators in arenas and stadiums.

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  • Teddy Elliot
  • Teddy Elliot
    Teddy Elliot was a Staff Writer for MTL Blog. He was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and has a B.A. in Literature. Teddy has been a journalist for three years and was once an English teacher. His creative work has appeared in The Blasted Tree and Parenthetical Magazine. When he's not chasing scoops, Teddy can be found cheering on Aston Villa and listening to 80s power ballads. He was shortlisted for a Digital Publishing Award in 2021.

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