Unofficial translation
Quebec City, May 18, 2021 – Quebec Premier François Legault today announced the major steps in the reopening plan, which will begin on May 28 and will soon allow the population of Quebec to return to a more normal life.
Several measures will be gradually reduced over the next few weeks in all regions of Quebec, according to a schedule that has been established based on projections of the epidemiological situation and the progress of vaccination.
It should be noted that the planned relaxations will not be applied in the territories covered by special emergency measures.
Relaxations throughout Québec as of May 28
As of May 28 :
- the curfew will be lifted in all regions of Quebec;
- gatherings will be allowed on private outdoor properties (maximum of 8 people from different residences or occupants of 2 residences, with distance);
- outdoor terraces of restaurants will again be open to customers (in red and orange zones: two single people with minor children or occupants of the same residence; in yellow zones, occupants of two residences)
- Travel between regions will be permitted;
- Large halls and outdoor stadiums will be able to accommodate a maximum of 2,500 people in separate 250-person zones.
As of June 11, bars will be allowed to open their outdoor patios (with the same restrictions as restaurants) and supervised outdoor sports and recreation activities will be permitted in groups of 25 people, maximum).
As of June 25, fully vaccinated individuals will be able to meet in private residences, without masks or distancing.
Also, day camps and summer camps will reopen and festivals and other outdoor activities will be allowed to resume with a maximum of 2,500 people. On this last point, details of the measures required for such events will be made public later this week.
“For the end of August, if we reach our objective of 75% of the population aged 12 and over completely vaccinated, in many public places, masks will no longer be required and CEGEPs and universities will open in person,” added the Premier.
Vaccination target moved up to June 15
The government had set a goal of having 75 per cent of adult Quebecers vaccinated before our national holiday on June 24. The good news is that as of May 18, 75% of Quebecers have been vaccinated or have made an appointment. This allows the government to advance its goal of June 24 to June 15.
“I want to tell you how impressed I am with Quebecers. Millions of Quebecers who played by the rules. And now millions of Quebecers are getting vaccinated. Everyone is on board, especially young people! I am so proud of you! It is thanks to you that I can announce today a reopening plan,” said the Premier.
High school students in emergency zone return to school
It should also be noted that high school students in the Lower St. Lawrence RCMs who are still under special emergency measures will be allowed to return to school as of May 24. Secondary 3, 4 and 5 students will go to class every other day, as is the case in other regions in the red zone or in special emergency measures.
North Shore in yellow zone
The alert level system remains in effect everywhere. Due to the evolution of the epidemiological situation, the North Shore region will be in the yellow alert level as of May 24 at 12:01 a.m.
Wearing a mask or face covering
Wearing a mask or face shield has proven to be effective in limiting the risk of transmission of the virus. As of June 25, masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals attending private gatherings. By the end of August, this will also be the case for several public venues or events.
Quotes:
“I ask two things of you. First, please continue to follow the instructions. The pandemic is ending, but it is not over. Second, for those of you who haven’t already done so, go and get the vaccine! And the second dose too! Being vaccinated means having a great summer, it means freedom. It means enjoying it with our family and friends. I’m counting on you. “
François Legault, Premier of Quebec
“The success of the long-awaited reopening phase depends on everyone working together. We must proceed gradually and continue to respect the measures in place. Over the past few weeks, the population has demonstrated its solidarity and the mass vaccination operation is going well. The winning conditions are in place so that we can soon return to our loved ones and resume our activities. “
Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services
Highlights:
It is important to remember that, although transmission has decreased significantly, compliance with sanitary measures and screening for symptoms of COVID-19 will remain very important in the coming months in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
A person is considered fully vaccinated one week after receiving their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The second dose is necessary and provides optimal protection over the longer term.
Related links:
For more information: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/reopening-plan
For more information on COVID-19 and the measures in place: Québec.ca/coronavirus
A map of alert levels by region is available.
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Sources:
Ewan Sauves
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
514 585-4451
ewan.sauves@mce.gouv.qc.ca
Marjaurie Côté-Boileau
Office of the Minister of Health and
and Social Services
418 456-2756
