Quebec introduces new COVID-19 restrictions

As Quebec’s healthcare network risks being overwhelmed, the Quebec government has put in place a series of lockdown measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The new measures are expected to last for four weeks, going into effect Saturday, January 9, 2021, and lasting until Monday, February 8, 2021.

Restriction Details

• Businesses with permission to operate should only offer goods and services considered essential. Essential businesses include:
• Commercial enterprises that sell products, parts, and other material necessary for transportation, logistics services, and vehicle repair or maintenance, including vehicle repair and maintenance centres, but excluding the sale of vehicles.
• Manufacturing is permitted to continue but asked to concentrate on essential goods. For example, a car battery plant could remain open.
• All non-essential businesses will remain closed but are permitted to offer curbside pickup.
• Curfew is in effect from 8 pm to 5 am, during which individuals are not permitted to move outside their residence. Exemptions exist, including for essential workers and those travelling for health care purposes.
• All shops, including essential businesses and those open for curbside pickup, have to close on or before 7:30 pm.
• Gas stations are permitted to stay open past 7:30 pm, but are only allowed to sell food, gasoline and road vehicle products.
• In all regions, teleworking is mandatory for people working in offices, except workers whose presence is deemed necessary by the employer.
• Gatherings with people outside of one’s household are prohibited, both inside and outside.
• Adult education and vocational training will resume on January 18, 2021.

* Measures do not apply to Nunavik and the James Bay region.

Visit the Government of Quebec website for more detailed information