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February 4, 2021 – 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.
Gradual return for post-secondary institutions
Minister of Higher Education Danielle McCann announced that starting February 8 college and university students will be able to gradually return to campus, at least once a week, while following strict health measures, including wearing a mask at all times, with some exceptions.
Ms. McCann specified that there will be a capacity limit of 50% in classrooms and that students will be allowed to study and work in groups of up to six people, while maintaining two-metres’ distance. In classrooms, physical distancing will be reduced to 1.5 metres.
As post-secondary institutions are independently managed, the return is only a recommendation, but the minister stated that professors, teachers and students alike have been asking for a return to campus.
“Young people need socialization and a sense of belonging. These are keys to their success,” said Minister McCann, who specified that this gradual return is also about reducing the isolation that youth are reporting as a result of the pandemic-related health rules that have been imposed.