Premier François Legault made a major announcement on Tuesday, May 18, on reducing COVID-19 restrictions across Québec. The reductions will begin on May 28 and are based on projections of the epidemiological situation and the progress of vaccination.

However, the planned reductions in restrictions will not be applied in the territories under special emergency measures.

Effecive May 28:

  • the curfew will be lifted in all regions of Québec
  • gatherings will be permitted on private outdoor grounds (maximum of 8 people from different residences or occupants of 2 residences, with distancing)
  • the outdoor terraces of the restaurants will once again be able to accommodate customers (in the red and orange zones: two people alone with children or occupants of the same residence; in the yellow zone, occupants of two residences)
  • travel between regions will be permitted
  • large rooms and outdoor stadiums will be able to accommodate a maximum of 2,500 people in several independent groups of 250 people.

As of June 11, bars will able to open their outdoor terraces (with the same restrictions as restaurants) and supervised outdoor sports and leisure activities will be permitted in groups of up to 25 people.

Beginning June 25, fully vaccinated people will be able to meet in private residences, without a mask and without distancing. Also, day camps and vacation camps will reopen, and festivals and other outdoor activities can resume with a maximum of 2,500 people. The details of the measures required for such events will be made public later this week.

“By the end of August, if we reach our goal of 75% of the population aged 12 and over fully vaccinated, in many public places, we will no longer have to wear masks and CEGEPs and universities will open face-to-face,” said Legault.

The vaccination target moved forward to June 15

The government had set a target to have 75 per cent of adult Quebecers vaccinated before the St-Jean-Baptiste holiday on June 24. However, as of May 18, 75 per cent of Quebecers have been vaccinated or have made an appointment. This has allowed the government to advance its target date from June 24 to 15.

“I want to tell you how impressed I am with Quebecers. Millions of Quebecers who have respected the rules. And now, millions of Quebecers are getting vaccinated. Everyone is there, especially the young! I am so proud of you! It is thanks to you that I can announce, today, a deconfinement plan,” Legault said.

Wearing a mask or face covering

As of June 25, the wearing of a mask will no longer be compulsory for fully vaccinated people who will take part in private gatherings. At the end of August, this will also be the case for several public places or events.