Canadian authorities are now requiring all essential workers from the U.S. — including truck drivers — to wear a face covering as they cross the border.
The order from the Public Health Agency of Canada went into effect on April 15.
Per the order, essential workers like truck drivers are exempt from requirements to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada (as long as they are free from COVID-19 symptoms), but “persons exempt from mandatory quarantine are still required to wear an appropriate mask or face covering upon entry into Canada and while in transit, and should otherwise respect the intent of the Order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.”
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) said in a blog post that truckers would be provided with a mask at the border rather than be turned away:
CTA was told that no drivers will be turned away from entering Canada as a result of this policy and Canadian Border Services Agency will be attempting to provide drivers with a mask should they not have one.
“Canada’s response to COVID-19 is based on the latest scientific evidence. As we learn more about this illness, we must adapt our public health measures and our border measures appropriately. These new requirements for travellers are part of our multilayered pan-Canadian response to this epidemic. We will continue to keep Canadians informed about the risks of COVID-19 and the actions we must all take to plank the curve of this epidemic,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
To learn more about face coverings/mask guidelines from the Canadian government, please click here.