QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 8, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Quebec Premier François Legault, accompanied by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, and the Acting National Director of Public Health, Luc Boileau, has announced that by March 14, most of the health measures will be lifted.
Several relaxations affecting all sectors and activities will gradually come into effect over the next few weeks. They are announced now to allow organizers and merchants greater predictability.
Starting February 12 :
- Inside private homes, Public Health is lifting the capacity limit for gatherings. However, it is suggested to limit the capacity to 10 people, or the occupants of 3 residences. These rules also apply to tourist accommodation units.
- In restaurants, a maximum of 10 people, or the occupants of 3 residences, will be allowed at a table.
- In senior living facilities:
- Private residences for seniors (RPA):
- 2 people (family caregivers or visitors) at a time, for a maximum total of 4 per day
- residential and long-term care centers (CHSLD) and intermediate resources for seniors :
- 1 person (caregiver or visitor) at a time, for a total of no more than 2 people per day.
- Private residences for seniors (RPA):
Starting February 14:
- Resumption of sports games for all;
- End of sanitary protocols for outdoor sports competitions;
- Capacity at 5,000 for outdoor shows, with vaccine passport.
As of February 21:
- Lifting of capacity limit at businesses with continuation of the vaccine passport in locations where it is already required;
- Reopening of recreation centers (arcades, water parks, amusement centers and parks, and other thematic sites) at 50% of capacity, with the vaccination passport;
- Conventions, assemblies and meetings, with a 50% capacity or maximum of 500 people, with the vaccination passport;
- Social events in a rented room permitted for up to 50 people, with the vaccine passport;
- Increased capacity of places of worship up to 50% of capacity or a maximum of 500 people, with vaccination passport;
- When viewing the body or ashes of a deceased person and expressing condolences to loved ones, a maximum of 50 people at a time will be allowed.
Effective February 28:
- End of mandatory telecommuting, with recommendation to favour a hybrid mode;
- Resumption of competitions and tournaments for all, with the vaccination passport;
- Lifting of participant limit during sports and recreation activities;
- 100% capacity in theaters, cinemas and sports venues, with the exception of venues with 10,000 or more people. If there are more than 1,000 spectators, health protocols with measures to ensure public safety must apply;
- Reopening of bars and casinos, respecting 50% of the capacity. These venues will close at 1:00 a.m., one hour after the alcohol service ends. People must remain seated.
- Restaurants will close at 1:00 a.m. and food and beverage service will end at midnight;
- Reopening of indoor venues for billiards, darts and other similar games, 50% capacity and mandatory vaccination passport;
- End of capacity limits in places of worship, with vaccination passport.
As of March 14:
- 100% capacity in public places;
- No capacity limit per table in restaurants, bars and taverns;
- Dancing and karaoke activities permitted;
- Activities of a social nature in a rented room:
- no restriction on number of participants, with vaccination passport,
- maximum of 20 people, without vaccination passport;
- Places of worship, funerals (ceremonies, condolences) and weddings: 100% capacity and possible without a vaccination passport, with a maximum of 50 people at a time;
- 100% capacity at venues and sports venues with 10,000 or more people.
Access to testing in screening clinics
It was also announced that people aged 70 and over who present symptoms compatible with COVID-19 as well as family caregivers are now added to the priority clienteles for testing in screening clinics.
Due to the increase in the number of cases of infection, PCR tests performed in screening clinics are now reserved for certain clienteles, namely health care workers and other priority persons. Individuals outside of these groups who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should access rapid tests available at pharmacies. If they cannot access these tests, they are considered to have COVID-19 and should follow current isolation guidelines.
Quote:
“Today is an important step in announcing the deconfinement plan that will allow us to lift the bulk of the health measures by March 14. We’re going to have to learn to live with the virus, COVID is here to stay. The best way to live with the virus is to have your three doses of vaccine. We must all do our part, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Quebecers.
François Legault, Premier of Quebec
“The situation in hospitals has improved in recent weeks. We can therefore continue the sequence of relaxations that we began in January. However, we must remain cautious in order to avoid a new increase. It is very important not to take part in gatherings if you have symptoms, to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.
Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services
Highlights:
- The newly announced relief is in addition to several others that went into effect on January 31 and February 7. It should also be remembered that relaxations concerning sports and recreation, as well as cultural and artistic activities, had already been announced and will come into effect on February 14.
Related link:
For more information on current and upcoming measures: Quebec.ca/coronavirus.
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/fr/releases/archive/February2022/08/c5035.html
