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December 20, 2021 – Provincial government update on the COVID-19 pandemic

Here is an update on recent decisions and actions by the provincial government regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

New measures as of 5 p.m. on December 20

Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services, Horacio Arruda, National Director of Public Health in Québec, and Daniel Paré, Director of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Québec, announced additional health measures in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases.

“The epidemiological situation is critical. Community transmission is soaring. And unfortunately, it’s not getting better. Hospitalizations are on the rise, as are cases in intensive care. Just yesterday, 49 people were admitted to our hospitals.” Christian Dubé said.

School closures

Elementary schools and high schools as well as professional training centres will close at 5 p.m. today, until January 10.

For schools scheduled to return before this date, teaching will take place remotely after the Holiday break. CEGEPs and universities will remain open for exams and internships.

Establishments where vaccination campaigns and the distribution of rapid tests were planned will remain open strictly for these operations to continue.

All extracurricular activities are cancelled.

It should be noted that childcare services and daycare centres will remain open, particularly for the children of healthcare personnel.

Several other closures

Several establishments will also have to close their doors at 5 p.m. tonight:

  • Bars, taverns and casinos
  • Movie theatres
  • Concert halls
  • Gyms
  • Spas, with the exception of personal care services.

Restaurants will remain open, but dining room hours will be limited to between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Telework

Telework is now mandatory for an indefinite period.

Private gatherings

The government is maintaining gatherings of up to 10 people, but this limit could be changed if the health situation continues to deteriorate.

Sports

Professional and amateur sports activities must be held without spectators for an indefinite period.

Third dose

Minister Dubé reminded us that since this morning, individuals aged 65 and over can make an appointment for their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Beginning December 27, those aged 60 and over will be able to do so.

 Epidemiological situation

The epidemiological situation in Québec is critical, with 4,571 cases of COVID-19 recorded today, bringing the daily average to 3,240. This represents an upward trend of 93% over one week.

50% of hospital beds reserved for COVID-19 patients are occupied.

Québec has never exceeded the 4,000 infections mark since the beginning of the pandemic.

“There are 8 million of us in Québec. And we are at war. Right now it’s a war against the virus.” Christian Dubé said.

It should be noted that the government’s press conferences will now be held virtually and that all public ministerial activities are suspended until further notice.

All the new measures in effect can be consulted here (in French only).