The Eastern Townships region will remain a red zone.
Ahead of Premier Legault’s press conference yesterday (Feb 2) some citizens of The Eastern Townships were hopeful L’Estrie would be downgraded to an orange zone.
The entire province turned red some months ago to help combat the spread of COVID-19. This was in hopes to restrict movement from a red zone to a less restricted zone with more open amenities.
The Eastern Townships fell victim to such movements.
“The Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, and Nord-du-Québec. In these 6 orange regions will reopen restaurants, gyms, and indoor sports activities, but with restrictions,” listed Francois Legault, the premier of Quebec.
No southern regions of the province will shift from red to orange. These 6 regions moving to orange account for 10 per cent of the provincial population.
The press conference offered a confusing announcement of the differences between what can open in an orange zone versus a red.
“From Feb 8, everywhere in Quebec, stores, hairdressers, and museums will reopen throughout Quebec,” said Legault.
“Everywhere in Quebec” includes both the red and orange zones.
Only in the orange regions theatres and cinemas will be able to reopen Feb 26.
However, be advised that restauranteurs have been asked to verify identification and only serve those who are residents of the corresponding regions. Restaurants will also only allow 2 adults accompanied by their minor children to be seated at the same table. Reservations are mandatory.
Curfew will remain in place, 8 p.m.– 5 a.m., but in orange regions be extended to 9:30 p.m.
Work from home orders remain mandatory for office workers.
Although the regulations are loosening it is extremely important to follow and monitor public health regulations. The province is concerned for the ongoing situation in the hospitals but did admit the slow reopening’s are in part to aid the hospitals to catch-up on minor routine surgeries.
“So, the battle against the virus is not over,” confirmed Legault.
Here is Premier Legault: