Another day, another press conference, only this time Quebec Premier Francois Legault brings good news.
This afternoon, Legault announced that as of Saturday, February 12, the province is lifting several more restrictions.
For starters, there will no longer be any legal limits for private gatherings in homes, although health officials still recommend that those gatherings be limited to 10 people and members of no more than three families.
Meanwhile, restaurants will be allowed to seat bigger parties as of Saturday with a total of ten people and up to three families.
Further easing of regulations will follow on Monday, Feb. 14, with sporting events and games for youth and adults resuming with spectators in the stands; and as of February 28th, tournaments will be allowed.
In the meantime, gyms and spas will be permitted to resume operations at 50 per cent capacity with the hope of bringing it to 100 per cent capacity on March 14.
Furthermore, employees will no longer have to work remotely, although it is still recommended to work from home if possible.
And perhaps the biggest announcement is that Quebec’s bars and casinos— which were shut down for much of the pandemic— will be permitted to reopen as of Feb. 28 under certain conditions including a ban on dancing. However, as of March 14, all restrictions will be lifted on these establishments.
The news comes a day after Quebec reported its lowest daily COVID-19 case count this year with 2,240 new cases across the province.
Since March 2020, there have been 883,192 total cases and 13,495 deaths in the province.
