During the press briefing on December 30th, Prime Minister Legault, accompanied by the National Director of Public Health, Horacio Arruda, as well as the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, announced changes to the measures in place.
“Yesterday, there has never been as many cases as since the beginning of the pandemic”, he said at the beginning of the press briefing. He went on to stress that there was a risk, in the coming weeks, that the number of hospitalizations would exceed capacity. This would eventually lead us to no longer be able to treat everyone in Quebec. “The situation is changing rapidly. As decision-makers, we have a responsibility to act. Tonight, unfortunately, we are going to «rock the boat».”
Restaurant dining rooms closed
Restaurant owners will be able to continue offering delivery and takeout but will have to close the dining rooms.
Prohibited gatherings
“Private gatherings, in homes, will no longer be allowed as of tomorrow”, said Legault, before specifying that single people will be able to join another bubble in addition to receiving help from their caregivers.
Curfew
Since of December 31st, 2021, a curfew will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The Prime Minister specifies that those who violate the curfew will be liable to a fine, ranging between $ 1,000 and $ 6,000.
Schools closed
The return to school scheduled for January 10th is delayed until January 17th. Minister Dubé specified that specific announcements will be made in the coming days.
Closure of stores on Sunday
Until January 16th inclusively, businesses will be closed on Sundays.
Worse here than elsewhere?
“When we look at the situation, God knows when you look at the numbers, yesterday we had a record, everywhere. If we look at hospitalizations, per million citizens, currently we have half as many hospitalizations as in the United States. The situation we are looking at in Ontario, we are roughly at the same level with respect to intensive care. We are at 130 and they are at 200. The number of cases depends on how many tests we do. You must be careful when comparing. There is no reason to believe that we are worse here than elsewhere”, explains Legault.
