Quebec announces curfew, becoming the first province in Canada to do so.
Quebec’s premier, François Legault announced a curfew amid rising COVID-19 cases. Residents will have to stay inside their homes, between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with fines up to $6,000. This will be in effect until at least Feb. 8.
The pandemic in Quebec has again reached a “critical and grave” moment, Premier François Legault on Wednesday announced a curfew for four weeks, to curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Non-essential businesses will remain closed, workplaces and businesses, including gyms and restaurants, will be closed until Feb. 8, but Legault stopped short of imposing a lockdown like the one during the first wave last spring, when manufacturing was halted in the province.
CBC reports that the stricter measures, which he described as “shock therapy,” will begin Saturday. Many of them will be in place for four weeks, until Feb. 8.
“The upcoming month is going to be a critical one,”
“We are in a race against time.”
“Unfortunately, we have lost this race in the last few weeks. But we can win it.” He said.
The new restrictions, however, did not include any limits on the manufacturing or construction sector, nor a prolonged break for schools — areas that have accounted for a large portion of outbreaks in recent weeks.
New restrictions include:
- A provincewide curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., the first of its kind in Canada during the pandemic. There will be exceptions for essential workers and dog walkers near their home. The fine for breaking curfew will be $1,000 to $6,000. (More on the curfew here.)
- All non-essential workplaces and businesses, including gyms and restaurants, will be closed. Curbside pickup at stores and delivery for restaurants will be allowed.
- Places of worship must close.
- Daycares will stay open. Elementary schools will open as planned on Jan. 11, but children in Grades 5 and 6 will be required to wear a mask.
- High schools will remain closed for another week, opening Jan. 18. High school students and staff will be supplied with two government-issued three-layer disposal paper medical masks per day.
- Grocery stores and corner stores must close at 7:30 p.m.
- Indoor and outdoor gatherings with people outside the household are prohibited.
- The measures don’t apply to the autonomous northern territory of Nunavik, as well as the James Bay region.
Legault said manufacturing and construction will not be shut down, but he urged them to concentrate on work and goods that are considered “essential.”
First published on CBC.ca