MONTREAL — Quebec's opposition parties are accusing Premier Francois Legault of creating confusion with the imposition of a rule requiring mask-wearing outdoors to control the spread of COVID-19.
As of last week, masks are required any time two or more people from different households are together outdoors in zones of the province under the red and orange alert levels — except if they are seated at least two metres apart or during water sports.
The opposition Liberals and Quebec solidaire are criticizing the government for not properly explaining the new measure to the public.
Quebec solidaire spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois said today in Quebec City that the new rules are hard to follow and it hasn't been shown why they're necessary.
The province's public health director acknowledged on Tuesday that the province doesn't have data confirming that transmission is happening outside but said experts believe there's a risk given the contagious nature of new COVID-19 variants.
Dr. Horacio Arruda also admitted the rules can appear inconsistent for couples who don't live together, who now have to wear masks while walking in a park but not when they're together indoors.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2021
The Canadian Press
