Quebec’s five-month-long curfew is finally coming to an end. It all starts Friday, May 28, when the curfew will be lifted across the province and certain businesses such as restaurants will be allowed to reopen. However, while Quebec Premier François Legault said that most of Quebec will transition to an Orange Zone, Montreal and Laval will remain in Red Zone until at least June 7. This announcement caused some confusion so we figured we would clarity what the rules are in Montreal.
First, it is important to remember that while Montreal (and Laval) were expected to shift to orange zone status on May 31, this has now been delayed until at least June 7. That means restaurant dining rooms will not be able to reopen in these areas. This also means that so long as your region is in a red zone, you cannot invite anyone to your home to dine inside.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the rules for regions in the red zone:
Restaurants will only be allowed to serve customers outdoors on a terrasse.
The two-metre physical distancing is required between groups of individuals.
There is a maximum of two adults per table who live at different addresses. Two adults, however, may be accompanied by their minor children or occupants of a single private residence.
Clients must always wear face masks indoors except when they are seated at their table. At all other times, a mask is required including when walking to the restroom.
Restaurant staff are obliged to clean and disinfect tables, chairs, and menus after each customer leaves. Objects such as salt and pepper shakers, sugar packages, spices, magazines, newspapers, and so on, should be removed from the tables.
Customers are asked to use hand sanitizer before being seated.
The reception capacity must comply with the following ratio:
Floor area in m2 accessible to customers ÷ 20 m2 (Employees are not included in the number of persons authorized.)
The establishment’s reception capacity must be clearly, visibly displayed. To this end, a printable sign is available for the operators of commercial establishments. These posters are available in French. The poster in French must be predominant over the poster in English. The translated version of the poster must be affixed next to that in French.
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Finally, outdoor gatherings in private spaces (such as your backyard) will be allowed for groups of eight people from different households or all occupants from 2 households. Basic health instructions must be followed at all times.
