Stricter measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 will be in effect starting Saturday, Jan 9.

New restrictions to be enforced starting Saturday, Jan 9. Photo courtesy of the Quebec government.

This past week the province of Quebec has recorded the highest daily totals of the pandemic. In response to the ever increasing numbers the premier announced new restrictions.

“There are still too many visits in homes. That’s why I am announcing that starting next Saturday there will be a curfew from 8 pm to 5 am during 4 weeks,” announced Premier Legault.

Quebec is the first province in Canada to enforce a curfew. The curfew is in effect until Feb 8.

All non-essential businesses must remain closed. Restaurants providing take-out must stop service at 7:30 p.m. to allow employees to return home before curfew. Grocery stores must also close at 7:30 p.m. Only service stations and pharmacies may remain open after 8 p.m.

All citizens must be in their homes by 8 p.m. unless travel for work is required after this time. Citizens who do not abide to this curfew and remain on the streets after 8 p.m. will be subject to questioning if stopped by police.

“It will be mandatory to work from home for office workers,” said Legault.

All places of worship are mandated to close but funerals can accommodate a maximum of 10 people.

Primary and high schools will re-open Jan 11.

“Regarding schools, I think it’s essential that children continue to learn,” voiced Legault.

“I know those measures are tough for our mental health, but we have to balance that with the situation in our hospitals. The situation is very serious … we all have to stay home as much as possible for the next 4 weeks,” stated Legault.