With the rising numbers of COVID-19 infections across the province of Quebec, Christmas gatherings are strictly prohibited. This cancellation includes both public and private events but individuals living alone may have one visitor.

“I invite the public to increase their efforts for the next few weeks to flatten this new spike of positive COVID-19 results,” stated Patrick Malchior, prefect of the MRC Brome-MIssisquoi.

Premier François Legault announced last week that citizens were able to host a maximum of 10 people over a span of three days, Dec. 23-25. This statement is now invalid.

“For the Brome-Missisquoi region, the situation is not alarming; However, we have noticed, in the last few weeks, an increase in the number of cases and 2 outbreaks, including one at the BMP Hospital in Cowansville,” added Alain Poirier, director of public health in Éstrie.

Several town mayors are continuing to spread public health safety measures. This list includes the mayors of Cowansville, Bromont, and Lac Brome.

Lac Brome has seen an increase of 38 per cent (8 cases), Bromont 44 per cent (21 cases), and Cowansville 106 per cent (35 cases).

“Continue to be diligent in insuring safe working environments. Up to now, it’s been going well in our work environments, we all must continue to apply the sanitary measures to maintain our jobs and safeguard our regional economy,” said Sylvie Beauregard, president of the Brome-Missisquoi CLD and mayor of Cowansville.

Restaurants remain open for take-out service only. The re-opening plan will be announced Jan. 11, 2021.

Here is Patrick Malchior (French audio only):