Due to continued high numbers of COVID-19 cases in Québec accompanied by increased hospitalizations and deaths, Premier François Legault, announced on December 3 that gatherings will be banned during the holiday season in regions under red zone designation to relieve the health care system and save lives. Legault made the announcement during a press briefing on the state of the pandemic and was accompanied by Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, and Director of Public Health, Dr Horacio Arruda.
The MRC d’Argenteuil is an orange zone, but the neighbouring MRC’s of Deux Montagnes, Rivière-du-Nord, and Ville de Mirabel are red zones. The MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges and Ville de Gatineau are also red zones.
Christmas in red zones is only to be spent with people who live at the same address, said Legault. Nevertheless, they may still visit people who live alone. The Premier encouraged Quebecers to visit elderly relatives who live alone but respect health instructions and only allow one visitor at a time.
At the beginning of November, the average daily number of cases of COVID-19 in Québec rose from 1,000 to 1,300. On December 2, Québec peaked with more than 1,500 cases.
“At this rate, some hospitals will start to overflow during the holidays. The capacity of the health care system is not infinite,” said the Premier.
