Québec Premier François Legault was accompanied by Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, late on the afternoon of December 30 when he announced several measures designed to get the rapid spread of COVID-19 under control across Québec. The measures will take effect at 5 p.m. on December 31.
According to the Institut national de sante public du Québec (INSPQ), 86,866 active cases of COVID-19 across Québec as of December 30, which was an increase of 14,188 cases from December 29.
The Premier announced the measures because of the significant increase in confirmed positive cases and an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in recent days. There were 939 people in hospital across Québec due to COVID-19 as of December 30, and 139 patients were in intensive care. The new measures announced by Legault and Dubé are in addition to those already in force.
Curfew
A curfew will be in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. across Québec.
It will be prohibited for individuals to travel outside of their place of residence, except to receive health care, humanitarian reasons, or to perform work considered a priority.
People traveling during this period may have to justify the reason for their trip, with regard to the permitted exceptions.
Penalties ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 6,000 will apply for offenders.
Private gatherings
Private gatherings in homes must be limited to occupants of the same residence.
Exceptions may include a visitor to provide service or support, and a single person (with their children, if applicable) can join a family bubble.
Teaching environments
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 Québec.
Learning will continue at a distance between now and the start of the school year, according to the planned school calendars.
School daycare services remain open for parents who really need them, prioritizing essential workers.
Places of worship
Places of worship are closed, with an exception for funerals which must be limited to 25 people.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events are still authorized but with a maximum of 250 people.
Restaurants
Dining rooms are being closed. Delivery and take-out orders are still possible.
Shops
All stores will be closed on Sundays, except for certain businesses such as convenience stores, gas stations and pharmacies.
Sports
Indoor sports are suspended, unless they are practiced by a single person, by two people, or by the occupants of the same residence.
The indoor facilities of downhill ski centres and snowmobile relays will be open only to allow people to warm up and have access to the bathrooms. It will be forbidden to consume food inside ski facility buildings. Food services may still offer take-out orders.
