Quebec's Transport Ministry says masks 'highly recommended' in public transit

Quebec's Ministry of Transport is now among those calling on the public to cover their facewhen riding public transit.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the MTQ sayswearing a face covering is "highly recommended," but it does not replace other health recommendations such as keeping a safe distance from others and practising proper hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

"The situation will be closely monitored and other measures could be implemented if necessary," the statement says.

The MTQ says it wishes to reassure riders and workers that public transit remains safeand that all measures are taken to ensure a healthy environment.

For employers, it is important to favour working from home or to offer flexible schedules to employees who use public transit in order to avoid excessive traffic during peak hours, the ministry says.

The MTQ also released a safety guide for public transit employees to follow while on the job. The guide was produced in collaboration withINSPQ, Quebec's public health research institute, and CNESST, Quebec's workplace safety board.

Last week, Montreal's public transit agency, the STM, announced it is acquiring homemade masks and face coverings to bedistributed to employees. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in Metro stations as well.

The STM is continuing to look into measures to protect passengers and employees once the economy gets back up and running, the agency says on its website. The STM says it is following the recommendations of public health authorities.

Montreal's public health authority has "strongly recommended" masks or face coverings be worn wherephysical distancing is impossible. However, both the province and its largest city have stopped short of making face coverings mandatory.

The MTQ's recommendation comes several weeks after the province's public health director encouraged the population to cover up when riding the bus or metro.

"People who will be on transportation will have to use a mask," Dr. Horacio Arrudasaid last month. "It isn't obligatory, but it is a strong recommendation."