Businesses open on Sundays again; proof of vaccination in department stores starting Monday
Businesses in Quebec are reopening on Sundays, after being forced to close their doors on Jan. 2, 9 and 16.
This puts an end to a measure, among others, that had been put in place to try to limit the skyrocketing number of hospitalizations linked to COVID-19 fueled by the Omicron variant.
Ten days ago, Premier François Legault said he hoped to be able to announce the reopening of restaurant dining rooms, theatres and cinemas, among other venues, in the coming weeks.
The amateur sports community is also anxiously awaiting the reopening of their facilities and leagues.
The situation continues to improve slightly in Quebec hospitals.
According to data released on Saturday by the Ministry of Health, the number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 dropped from 3,351 to 3,295 in the space of 24 hours. However, there were 275 people in intensive care, 10 more than the day before.
While many are expecting health measures to be relaxed as the fifth wave of the novel coronavirus wanes in the next few weeks, Quebec City is still preparing to tighten the screws on those who are not vaccinated.
As of Monday, the vaccination passport will become mandatory for access to big-box stores, whose surface area is greater than 1,500 square meters, except for those whose main activity is the sale of groceries or pharmacy products.
The vaccination passport is already required at liquor and cannabis stores in the province.
The Legault government is also considering imposing a "health tax" on people who have not been vaccinated, but the premier said there will be a debate in the National Assembly on this issue before that comes into place.
The bill could be tabled as early as next month.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 23, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Danielle Smith's UCP holds onto power in Alberta, CTV News declares
Danielle Smith is still the premier of Alberta, surviving a vigorous campaign and a tight vote Monday against NDP challenger Rachel Notley.

Singh calls for foreign interference rapporteur Johnston to step aside
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pushing for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside' from his role examining the issue of foreign interference before he embarks on public hearings.
New Democrat MP says she is target of foreign interference by China
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan said Monday that Canada's spy agency has confirmed her long-held belief she is being targeted by the Chinese government, as the prime minister granted the NDP's wish to allow more party members to review top-secret intelligence.
Golden Knights reach 2nd Stanley Cup Final after Game 6 win over Stars
William Karlsson, William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault are finally getting another chance in the Stanley Cup Final, after the first one that came so quick for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Caleb Martin helps Heat to 103-84 Game 7 win over Celtics and spot in NBA Finals
Eastern Conference finals Most Valuable Player Jimmy Butler scored 28 points, and Caleb Martin had 26 points and 10 rebounds to help the eighth-seeded Miami Heat beat the Celtics 103-84 in Game 7 on Monday night and advance to the NBA Finals for the second time in four seasons.
Canadian parliamentarians condemn Uganda's recently passed anti-homosexuality law
Canadian political leaders and parliamentarians are denouncing a new law passed in Uganda that imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for certain cases involving homosexuality.
Free prescription drugs could reduce overall health-care costs in Canada: study
Overall health-care costs could be reduced in Canada by providing free prescription drugs to patients, according to a new study.
Northern B.C., Alberta and all of Ontario under 'high' to 'extreme' wildfire risk: What to know
There's a heightened risk of wildfires across the country during what has been one of the earliest fire seasons on record. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, here's where the risk is highest.
Strategic city planning can mitigate 'urban heat island' effect, make cities cooler in summer: study
New research from Penn State University found certain factors can contribute to reducing what’s known as the 'urban heat island' effect, and that climate knowledge can contribute to better city planning and design.