Quebec Premier François Legault announced today “with a heavy heart” (as he put it), that the provincial government is placing the Greater Montreal Region (including Laval and the South Shore), the Quebec City region and the Chaudière-Appalaches region on Code Red due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. This takes effect midnight on Wednesday (early morning Thursday) and means:
- A ban on home gatherings (with a few exceptions)
- Bars and casinos must close
- Restaurants must be takeout or delivery only
- Movie theatres, libraries and museums must close
- Houses of worship and funeral homes will have a 25 person limit
- Being less than two meters apart will be prohibited
- Masks must be worn at demonstrations
It’s interesting to note that schools will remain open. According to Legault, this is so parents can still go to work. As such, businesses like hair salons and hotels will remain open.
