Quebec government tightens public health measures as COVID-19 cases soar
CBC
As COVID-19 cases spike across the province and the threat of Omicron looms, the Quebec government will tighten public health measures on Monday, while speeding up its booster shot campaign.
"In this fight that we are waging, it's not enough to just get vaccinated," Premier François Legault said during a Thursday news conference.
The province must also reduce the number of close contacts between people, he said.
Legault said the government does not want to close schools, so primary schools will reopen after the New Year at the regular date. High schools will use remote learning until Jan. 10.
Masks will be again required in primary and high school classrooms and buses.
Private gatherings will be reduced to 10 people inside, 20 outside and it is recommended that people use rapid testing kits before gathering.
Officials said that doesn't mean people should attend 10 parties with 10 people, but instead limit the number of gatherings they attend.
Quebec's new measures also include:
Legault said there will be support offered to businesses affected by the public health measures as they were in previous stages of the pandemic.
As of Monday, people 65 and over will be able to make an appointment for a booster shot, Health Minister Christian Dubé said. People with certain health conditions aged 60 and up will also be eligible.
The Monday after that, Dec. 27, all people 60 and up will be able to make an appointment.
WATCH | Legault tightens health measures:
From there, the aim is to begin offering the rest of the population booster shots in the New Year.
There was no mention of barring travel into Quebec from other provinces as was done in the past.
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