Quebec Takes Steps Toward Reopening
Meanwhile, Quebec Premier Francois Legault announced on Tuesday that universities and junior colleges across Quebec can gradually reopen next week, though he didn’t provide a timeline.Legault’s announcement came after his province reported a steady decline in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
As of Feb. 2, health officials reported the seven-day rolling average of new COVID infections in Quebec dropped to 1,212—the 25th consecutive day it has declined. Hospitalizations dropped by 34 to 1,110, and 178 people were in intensive care, a drop of five.
But all regions in the province will remain in the red zone with the exception of six that will be designated as orange zones: Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Northern Quebec, and North Coast.
These less populated regions which account for about 10 percent of the province’s population, will still be subjected to curfew but will begin at 9.30 p.m. while the rest of the regions in the red zone will continue to have the curfew starting at 8 p.m.
However, non-essential stores, personal care salons, and museums across Quebec will be allowed to reopen next week, Legault said.
Specifically, in the orange zones, restaurant dining rooms, gyms, and indoor sports facilities will be allowed to reopen on Feb. 8. Cinemas and theatres can begin operating again on Feb. 26, the premier added, though with restrictions.
For instance, in restaurants located in orange zones, only two adults and their children will be allowed at each table, and reservations will be mandatory to facilitate contact tracing and to prevent people from outside the region from visiting them, said Legault.
As for red zones, residents will be able to resume their outdoor activities with up to three people from other households. In orange zones, it will be up to eight people maximum.
But for both red and orange zones in Quebec, household gatherings are still banned.