Unofficial translation
QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 20, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – As the worrying increase in confirmed cases and hospitalizations continues, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, has announced that additional measures will be in effect as of 5 p.m. today. These measures are in addition to several others that are coming into effect today in several sectors.
Workplaces
- Telework is mandatory.
Educational settings
- Elementary and secondary schools will be closed as of December 21 (except for school immunization, rapid test delivery and daycare services, which will remain open). This means that the last day for students to be in attendance is today, December 20.
- The first day of school in attendance is also postponed to January 10 for elementary schools.
- Please note that if the school calendar foresees a return to school before January 10, the teaching will be done by distance learning.
- Please note that the Early Childhood Centres (ECC) and daycares will remain open.
Restaurants and bars
- Bars, taverns and casinos are completely closed.
- Restaurants will remain open, but dining hours will be limited to 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Events with public
- Closure of cinemas, theaters, cancellation of dinner shows;
- Suspension of public events and indoor activities. Closing of special indoor venues (including arcades, theme parks, amusement and recreation centers, water parks, bowling, darts, billiards and similar games)
Sports and Recreation
- Cancelled extracurricular activities.
- Sports activities, whether professional or amateur, are closed to the public (exception for accompanying parents).
- Food concessions closed.
- Closure of gyms.
Spas and saunas
- Spas and saunas closed, except for personal care.
Rapid tests
Minister Dubé also reminded that as of today, rapid screening tests (self-tests) are gradually being distributed to the entire population in nearly 2,000 pharmacies across Quebec. It should be noted that each pharmacy has received a limited number of tests. Pharmacies will be replenished on an ongoing basis as the federal government receives new supplies.
The rapid tests should be used by people with symptoms similar to those of COVID-19.
Administration of the booster dose
Starting today, people 65 to 69 years old can book an appointment online through the Clic Santé appointment platform to get their booster dose. Appointments for people aged 60 to 64 will open on December 27. Note that many clients are already eligible.
Appointments are also open to childcare workers, first responders and caregivers.
For people under 60 years of age, it is hoped to open the appointment process for the booster dose as soon as possible. Details will be provided at a later date.
Quote:
“For the past few days, in addition to a very significant rise in cases, a sharp increase in hospitalizations has been observed. It is no longer time to be cautious and vigilant, we must act now to avoid the worst. Although our high vaccination rate is an asset, Quebec will not escape what is happening elsewhere with the progression of the Omicron variant. The actions of each of us will have consequences in the weeks to come.
Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services
Highlights:
It should be noted that tighter measures have also been announced in several settings, including residential and long-term care centers (CHSLDs) and private seniors’ residences (RPAs).
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/fr/releases/archive/December2021/20/c9277.html
