Your scarf is not a facemask and other COVID-19 winter rules from Montreal Public Health

With a fresh blanket of snow outside, Montreal's public health director is reminding the public that health guidelines for COVID-19 still applyno matter the weather.

Dr. Mylne Drouin says scarves, neck tubes, turtlenecks and gloves are not adequate to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Having a scarf is not the same as having a mask," Drouin said at a news conference Wednesday.

"When going to the store or when on public transportation, it is important to wear a mask."

She saidthe same thing applies to winter gloves or mittens.

"When taking [your gloves off] at home or at the workplace, you [still] have to wash your hands."

Drouin saidfollowing the public health hygiene guidelines is still the best way to curb the spread of the virus.

She also reminded Montrealers that eating or drinking in public transit is not allowed, since it requires removing one's mask in a place where it's difficult to stay two metres away from other people.

"Less is more" for the holidays

With Christmasonemonth away, Drouin saidthe fewer people at a party the better, even though the province has authorized gatherings of up to 10 people during a four-day period.

PremierFranois Legault has asked Quebecers to isolate themselves for one week before and one week after the gathering period, from Dec. 24 toDec. 27. Legault later said people should limit themsevles to two gatherings.

Drouin urged people to continue to respect distancing guidelines and to wear a mask especially when around seniors or people who work in the health-care system.

Shealso tried to discourage people from getting testedas a precaution before get-togethers. She said it can clog up the testing system and doesn't guarantee you will be free of the virus at a party.

A negative test, she said, gives "a false sense of security, and of course [we need to] keep capacity for community transmission and outbreak."

City wants to get people outside this winter

At the same news conference,Mayor Valrie Plante saidthe city will create more outdoor spaces for Montrealers to enjoyduring the winter months.

"We worked really hard [] during the summer to give more space and make sure Montrealers can move around in a very safe way," Plante said.

During the summer, the city designated a handful of streets as public health corridors.

In these neighbourhoods, the sidewalks were widened and additional terrasses were builtto encourage Montrealers to shop locally and spend more time outdoors.

Plante said the city is looking to do something similar this winter to get more people out of their homes and into the outdoor snow.

The goal will be to get people to "go outside, have a walk, maybe ski around or do a bit of snowshoeing."

The city is expected to unveil the details of its plans for winter on Thursday.

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