Movie theatres, indoor swimming pools and sports arenas are allowed to reopen starting Feb 26 in some of Quebec's COVID-19 red zones, including the Eastern Townships.
Premier Francois Legault made the announcement stating the openings in red zones will be just in time for spring break. The Eastern Townships School Board declared its spring break as March 1-8 with Easter break to follow on April 2-6.
Indoor gatherings still remain prohibited. It has been noted that police will increase monitoring at private residences, hotels and cottages. Some questions are being raised regarding the difference between gatherings at a public pool versus a private home.
Some restaurant owners are also disappointed by the premier's announcement.
“It confuses me as to what the difference is between someone sitting in a movie theatre at 25 per cent capacity and a restaurant at reduced capacity with an outdoor seating option,” stated Nicholas Allan, restaurant owner.
It is unknown whether movie theatres will be able to open concession stands for the purchase of food and beverage. But patrons will be asked to wear their masks for the entire duration of the movie.
On pool openings, some residents are questioning whether or not the virus is “killed” by chlorine. Some scientific studies have suggested that the virus and other bacteria are neutralized by the high chlorine contents of pool water but these results have not been confirmed.
“I know chlorine is a strong chemical, but just thinking about how people spit in the pool or even pee worries me that the virus will still be transmissible,” said Connie Goodwin, resident of the Eastern Townships.
In addition to the premier's announcement on reopening across the province, the region of Outaouais has been reduced to an orange zone. This is the only region in southern Quebec to be given orange zone status.
“I think the timing of the partial reopening is sneaky. Is Legault reopening in time for spring break to stop travel between regions by giving activities in peoples home towns or are these activities somehow conveniently safe now?” questioned Goodwin.
Quebec’s case count is slowly decreasing, but the fate of the province's vaccination supply and rollout is unknown. The Eastern Townships have received few doses for the most vulnerable citizens.
Here is Premier Legault: