Here's what you need to know about the latest Quebec curfew and other restrictions
New restrictions are now in place in Quebec to curb the spread of COVID-19 including a curfew that goes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The tough health restrictions imposed Thursday by the Quebec government to curb the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are now in effect.
An emergency alert was sent to Quebecers cell phones and TVs Friday evening regarding the curfew.
Emergency alert for the curfew.
Some opposition MNAs were unimpressed with the use of the alert.
"Yeah, we know," wrote Liberal MNA Gregory Kelley on Twitter. "Thanks for the reminder after being reminded all day."
"The panicky Amber Alert from the government on our telephones and televisions, to remind us of a curfew that we already know, is disrespectful to Quebecers," wrote PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. "No need to add to the widespread angst with an alarm intended for kidnappings."
In addition to not being allowed to roam the streets at night, restaurant dining rooms in the province will be closed and indoor sports and gatherings in homes will be prohibited, except for single people who can join another family bubble.
Premier Francois Legault announced the measure Thursday night as new COVID-19 cases continued to break prior record increases.
The curfew will be in effect for an indefinite period of time, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.
The following are exceptions to the rule:
- Anyone who needs to be at work or who is transporting products for business.
- Those heading to the pharmacy to pick up medication or pharmaceutical, hygienic or sanitary products.
- Those heading to or returning from a vaccination centre.
- Students attending in-class evening courses or labs.
- A parent accompanying a child to the home of their other parent.
- A person complying with a court judgement or summons to court or to exercise custody rights as a parent.
- Anyone accompanying someone else to a medical appointment or another essential service.
- A parent taking their sick child to the hospital.
- A person going to give blood under Hema-Quebec supervision.
- A parent accompanying an adolescent child to work.
- Those experiencing homelessness.
The current list does not include those needing to walk their dogs after curfew, as it did during the curfew imposed in early 2021.
The Montreal police (SPVM) said it is deploying officers to ensure no festivities
"We will check the situation tonight," said SPVM spokesperson Veronique Comtois, adding that officers are ready if any protests should form in response to the curfew order.
Comtois could not say how the force would enforce the rule, as the SPVM has not received the written decree yet.
"When the decree is transmitted to the SPVM, it will be analyzed by the legal affairs department in order to specify the scope of police powers in relation to these new provisions," an SPVM news release reads. "The SPVM wishes to emphasize that a preventive and adapted approach will be favoured for people in vulnerable situations, given the limits associated with legal action in certain circumstances."
The Quebec government said officers can issue fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 to those outside after 10 p.m., while youth 14 and under can be fined $500.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PUSHED BACK
Elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities will remain closed until at least Jan. 17; school daycare services will be open only to the children of workers providing essential services. Places of worship will only hold funerals, with a maximum of 25 participants.
Non-essential commercial establishments will be closed on Sundays, Jan. 2, 9 and 16.
-- With files from The Canadian Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.