No plans to change masking policy on planes, trains in Canada as U.S. drops mandate: Alghabra

Canada’s Transport Minister Omar Alghabra says masking guidelines while travelling still apply, as the US moves to drop its national mandate. Speaking in Calgary on Tuesday, Alghabra said while he won’t comment directly on the US court ruling that impacts plane, train, taxi, and other forms of travel, Canada continues to follow the science on masking. “The mask regulation is in place and it's based on the advice that we received from our experts and doctors and based on data. It is proven that masks prevent or reduce the transmission of COVID,” he said. The minister noted that pandemic-related health measures are constantly being reassessed. “There is no change in our regulation… Whenever the advice that we receive changes because circumstances change, we will change our regulation. But for now it is what it is,” he said. Currently in Canada, travellers must wear a mask or face covering while travelling through Canadian airports and for the duration of flights. Air operators are required to notify passengers of the rule and receive confirmation that everyone has a face covering. Transport Canada says travellers should wear a mask or face covering while travelling by rail, road and water.<br/>