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
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
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.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.