Unofficial translation
QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Quebec Premier François Legault, accompanied by Health and Social Services Minister Christian Dubé, has announced several additional measures that will take effect at 5 p.m. on December 31 to slow the spread of the virus. Mr. Legault also called on all health care workers who have left to return to help in the coming days.
The number of confirmed positive cases continues to climb, and a very worrisome increase in hospitalizations has been observed over the past few days. Exceptional temporary measures need to be put in place to avoid further deterioration of the situation in hospitals and to limit the load. The following measures are in addition to those already in place.
Curfew
- A curfew will be in effect between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am.
- This means that no one will be allowed to travel outside of their place of residence, except in cases of justified exceptions, such as for health care, humanitarian reasons or to perform work considered a priority.
- Individuals travelling during this period may be required to justify the reason for their travel under the permitted exceptions.
- Penalties ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 will apply to violators.
Private Gatherings
- Private indoor gatherings must be limited to occupants of the same residence.
- Certain exceptions may apply:
- a visitor to provide a service or support;
- a single person (with children, if applicable) may join a family bubble.
Educational Settings
- The start of the school year in elementary, secondary, general adult education and vocational training has been postponed to January 17, 2022 in all regions of Quebec.
- Distance learning will continue until the start of the school year in attendance, according to the school calendar.
- School-based daycare services will remain open for parents who really need them, with priority given to essential workers.
Places of Worship
- Closed, with an exception for funerals which will be limited to 25 people.
Outdoor events
- Outdoor events remain permitted, but will be limited to a maximum of 250 people.
Restaurants
- Dining rooms will be closed. Delivery and take-out orders are still possible.
Businesses
- Closed on Sundays, except for certain businesses such as convenience stores, gas stations and pharmacies.
Sports
- Indoor sports are suspended unless played by one person, two people (dyad) or occupants of the same residence.
- Indoor facilities at alpine ski centers and snowmobile relays will be open only to allow people to warm up and access the washroom. No food will be allowed in these facilities. However, food services will be able to offer take-out orders.
The evolution of the situation and the effects of the measures will be monitored very closely. If necessary, additional specific measures for those not adequately protected, who represent a significant portion of current hospitalizations, may be announced.
Quotes:
“It is the entire functioning of our society that is weakened by the contagion. We simply can’t go on like this. It has become necessary to give a big push to slow down the contagion. We must do everything we can to limit transmission.
François Legault, Premier of Quebec
“The transmission of the virus is stronger than ever, and the rapid increase in hospitalizations is an indicator that leaves no doubt about the urgency of the situation. If each of us makes an extra effort to limit our contacts in the coming days and weeks, we will slow the progression and reduce the pressure on our health network and our staff.”
Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services
Highlights:
- As a reminder, as of January 4, the opening of the appointment process for vaccination will be gradual and by age group. Several clienteles are already eligible.
- It should be noted that Quebec has reached an important milestone in the vaccination against COVID-19. More than 15 million doses have been administered since December 2020.
Related link:
To learn more about the measures put in place: Quebec.ca/coronavirus.
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/fr/releases/archive/December2021/30/c5387.html
