Mandatory Masks required in NWT airport terminal buildings

Only passengers, staff and flight crew will be allowed in airport terminal

Effective October 13, 2020, travellers and employees will be required to wear a mask while inside Northwest Territories (NWT) airport terminal buildings. Until this requirement comes into effect, the public is still encouraged to wear masks within our airport facilities.

As passenger traffic continues to increase, this requirement will help keep travellers and employees safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Travellers are already required to wear a mask while going through security and/or to board a flight. This Transport Canada regulation came into effect on April 20, 2020.  Travellers are responsible for ensuring they are in compliance with the federal government measures prior to travelling.

The public is encouraged to bring their own mask; however, if an individual does not have their own mask, there may be some available for use at our airports. You will not be required to wear a mask if you have medical reasons that make it unsafe for you. The following other exemptions also apply:

·       Individuals unable to remove their mask without assistance.
·       Children under the age of two.
·       Individuals authorized by security, airline staff or airport staff to remove their mask for identification purposes.
·       Individuals will be allowed to temporarily remove their mask to eat, drink or take oral medications.

“While the best way to protect yourself and your community is to stay at home and not travel outside of the NWT, we want to ensure that people who need to travel, as well as airport staff, are safe in our airports.  The health and safety of NWT residents and communities is our main priority and we ask and thank passengers for their cooperation.” – Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure 

The use of a mask is recommended by the Chief Public Health Officer as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect others. It is especially recommended when it is not possible to consistently maintain a two-metre physical distance from others, particularly in public settings such as airports. Wearing a mask does not replace other protective measures including physical distancing, hand washing, covering a cough or sneeze, not touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, and staying home when sick.

The mask requirements will remain in place until further notice. In addition to the mask policy, only passengers, employees and service staff are permitted inside Northwest Territories’ airports. Those who are dropping someone off or picking someone up may not enter the terminal.

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