Montrealers using public transit to receive free masks

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Avleen K. Mokha
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By Avleen K Mokha

Key updates from today’s press briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency:

Quebec has 94 new deaths and 912 new cases of COVID-19.

At the moment, Quebec is testing around 10,000 people every day, according to provincial health director Dr Horacio Arruda. In the coming days, Quebec aims to increase its testing to 14,000 people every day.

Quebec Public Health Director Dr Horacio Arruda at today's press briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Photo: Screenshots / CBC
Quebec Public Health Director Dr Horacio Arruda at today’s press briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Photo: Screenshots / CBC

Montreal will convert city buses into COVID-19 testing units. These testing units will circulate the city to screen neighbourhoods at greater risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.

“We are truly the epicenter of the epidemic in Canada,” Dr Mylene Drouin, Montreal’s director of public health, said.

Otherwise busy, Montreal's Berri-UQAM metro is empty during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Otherwise busy, Montreal’s Berri-UQAM metro is empty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Manny Fortin / Unsplash

Montreal’s transit association STM and the City of Montreal have agreed to distribute free face coverings to commuters using the bus or metro. Staff members of the public transit system will receive two washable face coverings.

The City “strongly recommends” that Montrealers wear masks or face coverings in public.

“However, face coverings do not replace social distancing,” Dr Drouin added.