Quebec will impose several important measures to slow the progression of the Omicron variant: curfews starting Friday, return to class postponed, end of private gatherings, closure of dining rooms in restaurants and non-essential businesses closed on Sundays.
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Prime Minister François Legault is due to make the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday at 24 hours before New Year’s Day festivities.
Rather than coming together, Quebecers will therefore have to celebrate the New Year with their family bubble.
As of Friday, 5 p.m., only members of the same family can be inside a residence. An exception will be allowed for a single person, as well as his children.
A curfew will also come into effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. People who travel during these hours will have to demonstrate that they are doing so “to benefit from health care, for humanitarian reasons or to carry out work considered a priority”. Otherwise, they face a fine ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 6,000.
This is the second year in a row that Quebec has been placed under curfew after the holidays. Last year, however, the driving ban began at 8 p.m.
School
At the elementary and secondary levels, the start of the school year is postponed to January 17. In the meantime, education will be done remotely, if possible, ”and school daycare services will remain open for the children of essential workers.
Bad news for restaurants, which have experienced their share of closures since the start of the pandemic: they will have to close their dining rooms. Deliveries and take out orders will remain available.
Much like in another era, non-essential businesses will also have to close on Sundays. However, certain businesses, such as convenience stores, gas stations and pharmacies, will remain open.
Places of worship will also have to close their doors until further notice. Only funerals will be permitted, with a maximum of 25 people present.
Sports and outdoor events
Indoor sports are also suspended, except those practiced alone, in pairs or between members of the same residence.
In ski centers, the chalets will be open only for warming up or using the sanitary facilities. It will not be possible to eat there, but take out orders will remain available.
It will also be forbidden to consume food in the snowmobile relays. Again, the facilities will be able to offer take-out meals.
The news is better for outdoor events: they are still allowed, with a maximum of 250 participants.
More details to come …