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February 8, 2022 – Provincial government update on the COVID-19 pandemic

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

Easing of health measures

François Legault, Premier of Québec, Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services, and Dr. Luc Boileau, interim National Director of Public Health, announced the additional easing of health measures, effective in the coming days.

“Announcing a deconfinement plan is a calculated risk,” Premier Legault said. “We are taking an important step. Every individual will have to assess their risks. It’s going to be up to citizens themselves to say that in their homes: ‘I will allow five, 10, 15 people.’”

Measures announced:

Effective February 12

  • End of the limit on private gatherings in homes. The Public Health recommendation is to keep home gatherings to a maximum of 10 people or people from three family bubbles;
  • In restaurants, a maximum of 10 people per table or people from three bubbles is permitted;
  • Everyone with a vaccination passport can visit seniors in residential and long-term-care facilities (CHSLDs) and private residences for seniors (RPAs).

Effective February 14

  • Gyms and spas can open at 50% capacity;
  • Sports practices and games for youths and adults can resume;
  • Outdoor shows can accommodate up to 5,000 people.

Effective February 21

  • Retail businesses can open at 100% capacity;
  • Theatres can remain open at 50% capacity, but there is no longer an audience limit of 500.

Effective February 28

  • Entertainment venues (excluding the Bell Centre and Centre Vidéotron) and cinemas can open at 100% capacity;
  • Sports competitions and tournaments can resume;
  • Teleworking is no longer a requirement, but a recommendation;
  • Bars and casinos can open at 50% capacity, but dancing and karaoke remain prohibited;
  • Places of worship can open at 100% capacity.

Effective March 14

  • Bars and large entertainment venues (including the Bell Centre and Centre Vidéotron) can open at 100% capacity;
  • Dancing and karaoke can resume in bars.

“This means that by March 14, most health measures will be lifted,” Mr. Legault said. “We will return to a more normal life. The best way to live with the virus is to have your three doses of vaccine.”

Masks and vaccine passports

The wearing of masks and the use of vaccine passports are two measures that will remain in place until mid-March.