Quebec announces slow reopening of COVID-19 restrictions, gyms, bars not included | The Canadian News

Quebec will lift some of its health restrictions designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the coming days, the province’s premier said on Tuesday.

François Legault has unveiled the new plan, which includes allowing restaurants with limited capacity to reopen from next week during an update on the situation.

The government also gave the green light for indoor private gatherings, but for a maximum of four people or two households starting Monday. Students will also be able to participate in extracurricular activities and sports will be allowed for anyone under 18, but competitions remain off limits.

“The idea is to proceed gradually, cautiously,” Legault said, referring to the relaxation of some measures.

READ MORE: More fast tests coming to Quebec schools, pharmacies this week

The second phase comes on February 7th. Cinemas and theaters will be able to reopen, but with capacity limited to 50 percent or for a maximum of 500 people. Places of worship will be able to function at half capacity, for a maximum of 250 people.

Meanwhile, no reopening date has been set for pubs or gyms.

“I know people are fed up, but at the same time we need to be careful,” Legault explained. “We need to think about people in the front lines of our hospitals.”

The decision comes about a month after the province tightened rules to delay an Omicron-driven boom in business. Gyms, bars and entertainment venues in Quebec have been closed since December, as well as restaurant-dining rooms. Private gatherings were also mostly off-limits.

Legault is under pressure from sports organizations, the cultural sector and restaurants to relax measures. Some business owners have recently threatened to reopen despite the restrictions.

The province reported 85 new deaths on Tuesday, counting a total of 3,278 patients treated for the disease after a slight decline in hospitalizations.

Meanwhile, the daily score stood at 2,977, but officials say the score is not representative of the situation because PCR tests are reserved for certain high-risk groups.

–with files from The Canadian Press