Omicron variant cases of COVID-19 are fewer among residents of the MRC d’Argenteuil and Laurentides region of Québec than in other parts of the province or in adjacent regions of Ontario. 

According to the Institut national de santé public du Québec (INSPQ), there were 1,983 active cases of COVID-19 across the Laurentides region as of Tuesday, January 4. Out of that amount, 94 cases were among residents of the MRC d’Argenteuil. On Tuesday, 103 people across the Laurentides region were in hospital due to COVID-19. 

INSPQ statistics indicate that as of January 4, there were 108,878 active cases of COVID-19 across Québec, which was an increase of 14,494 cases from January 3. Across Québec on January 4, there were 1,592 people in hospital as a result of COVID-19 and 185 of those patients were in intensive care. 

On December 30, Premier François Legault and Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé announced a series of measures intended to reduce the rapid spread of omicron variant COVID-19 across Québec. The measures took effect at 5 p.m. on December 31. 

Curfew  

A curfew is in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. across Québec. 

It is 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. 

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. 

School 

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 are open only to allow people to warm up and have access to the bathrooms. It is forbidden to consume food inside ski facility buildings. Food services may still offer take-out orders. 

Booster information 

Presently, all Québec residents aged 55 and older are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination. Third booster doses are also available to all long-term care and retirement facility residents, and workers in certain trades and professions. Complete information is available at https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progress-of-the-covid-19-vaccination/additional-dose-covid-19-vaccine. Age eligibility will be gradually lowered to all individuals aged 18 and older by January 21. To book a vaccination appointment in Québec, go to https://portal3.clicsante.ca/ or call 1-877-644-4545.