Garneau urges rail passengers to wear masks

Canada Minister of Transport Marc Garneau last week encouraged all passengers to wear nonmedical masks or face coverings while traveling by rail.

Passengers may be asked by train operators to cover their noses and mouths when physical distancing is not possible, Transport Canada officials said in a press release. 

The measures went into effect yesterday. Garneau issued them as part of the nation's health and security protections during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional measures included the mandatory wearing of nonmedical masks or face coverings while traveling by air.

"Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay home if possible. However, if you need to travel, wearing a face covering is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you, especially in situations where physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained," Garneau said in a press release.