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December 2, 2020 – Provincial government update on the COVID-19 pandemic
Here is an update on recent decisions and actions by the Québec government in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
New shopping rules
As the spread of the second wave of the pandemic continues to grow, the deputy premier of Québec, Geneviève Guilbault, announced new shopping restrictions in stores, effective Friday.
All stores, including common spaces and food courts in shopping malls, will be subject to a limit in the number of people who can be present, based on surface area. Small stores will only be able to receive one customer at a time.
Merchants must clearly indicate the maximum number of people admitted and manage the premises to ensure that physical distancing is maintained, in the isles and in common areas as well as in the waiting lines inside and outside the store.
Ms Guilbault explained that these new measures seek to prevent “foot traffic during the Holidays in malls and stores from aggravating the epidemiological situation.”
There will also be an increase in surveillance by inspectors from the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) and police officers.
Anyone violating these rules could face a fine of $1,000 to $6,000. Stores where the rules are not followed could be shut down by Public Health.
Ms Guilbault explained that the goal of these measures is to keep stores open by trying to prevent the epidemiological situation from further deteriorating.