Quebec bans private gatherings, introduces curfew on Friday

The businesses will also be closed on Sundays January 2, 9 and 16. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

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While hospitalizations and cases of COVID-19 progress at lightning speed, the Legault government wants to give “a big blow” and announces the return of the curfew and the ban on private gatherings outside the family bubble as of Friday , New Year’s Eve.

“It is a gesture which is extreme because the situation is extreme”, declared urgently the Prime Minister François Legault during a press conference Thursday convened just a few hours earlier.

The situation is “the worst” in 22 months of pandemic, affirmed the Prime Minister, noting that the number of hospitalizations has doubled in one week, passing from 473 to 939 and that the number of daily cases is expected to exceed 16,000 during this period. of the next review.

“The experts (…) all agree that in the coming weeks there is a risk that the number of hospitalizations will exceed our capacity, which would eventually lead us to no longer be able to treat everyone in Quebec. », He indicated.

As of Friday, a curfew will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Those who challenge him will face a fine of $ 1,000 to $ 6,000, Mr. Legault warned.

The Prime Minister said he made the commitment “in front of all Quebecers” that the removal of the curfew will be “the first easing that we will do” when the situation returns to control in hospitals.

“We don’t do it for fun. It is out of necessity. It is to save our hospitals and to save lives, ”he insisted.

Likewise, from Friday, restaurant dining rooms will be closed, indoor sports and gatherings in homes will be banned.

Single people will, however, be able to continue to add to another bubble, as was the case during the first curfew.

Elementary and secondary schools, CEGEPs and universities will remain closed until January 17, but “these are the first establishments that we will reopen,” promised the Prime Minister.

“As decision-makers, we have the responsibility to act,” he said solemnly.

Regular child care services will continue to be open and those in schools will be available only to the children of workers who provide essential services.

The businesses will also be closed on Sundays January 2, 9 and 16.

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