Quebec to allow gatherings of 20 people in homes starting Dec. 23

Just in time for the holidays, Quebec announced Tuesday it will allow private gatherings of up to 20 people in homes starting Dec. 23 in another loosening of public health restrictions.

Health Minister Christian Dubé made the announcement during a press conference Tuesday alongside Quebec's public health director, Dr. Horacio Arruda, who recommended the new measure. Dubé stressed, however, that public health "strongly recommended" that everyone gathering in homes be vaccinated. 

Other public health restrictions previously announced, including wearing masks in public settings, remain in effect.

"Public health, however, asks us to continue to limit our contacts if we want to continue to control the virus," he told reporters Tuesday. 

"For the moment," there is no end date for the new gathering limit and no immediate plans to reverse the regulation, Dubé said, though public health will monitor the situation.