Quebec in its entirety will go green, the lowest and coveted level on the COVID-19 alert scale, starting next week as the pandemic’s grip on the province loosens.
The designation means fewer public health restrictions across all regions amid the continued downward trajectory of novel coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
“We are exactly where we want to be,” Premier François Legault told reporters gathered in Montreal on Tuesday.
The zone change will relax rules including limits on gatherings in homes, which can host up to 10 people from three different addresses. The sweeping green designation will come into effect next Monday.
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Legault said that when it comes to backyard gatherings, up to 20 people from different households will be allowed.
“On Monday, we will go from small parties to medium parties,” he said.
Under the same plan, Quebecers who have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to gather indoors without having to don masks as of this Friday. Festivals with a cap of 3,500 will be also be permitted.
With vaccination ramping up and pandemic indicators dropping, the government has gradually lifted measures as part of its reopening roadmap.
Legault also urged young adults to book their shots. There is still work to be done to reach the province’s target. Both shots are important in fighting the pandemic and eventually finding some normalcy again, he added.
“It’s very important that people under 40 get vaccinated,” he said.
More to come
—with files from The Canadian Press
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