Having already reduced the capacity of concerts and movie theatres, Quebec is now entering a lockdown and closing all concert venues and movie theatres (as well as bars, gyms and spas) starting today at 5 p.m.
Professional sports games will still take place but without an audience. Restaurants will be permitted to open, but will operate at half capacity and only from the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Schools are shutting early for the Christmas holidays and won't return until January 10. All non-essential workers must work from home [via CBC].
The decision was made in response to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant. Earlier today, the province smashed its daily infection record with 4,571 new cases (prior to this latest wave, the record was 3,127 from back in January).
Projections show that the province could reach its hospitalization capacity by early January. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said in a news conference, "The situation is critical. The explosion of cases is overwhelming."
Numerous concerts in Quebec and across the country have been delayed or cancelled due to the Omicron variant. Ontario and British Columbia have reduced capacity limits for large venues, and Ontario has banned eating and drinking in concerts, movies, sports games and other indoor events.
Professional sports games will still take place but without an audience. Restaurants will be permitted to open, but will operate at half capacity and only from the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Schools are shutting early for the Christmas holidays and won't return until January 10. All non-essential workers must work from home [via CBC].
The decision was made in response to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant. Earlier today, the province smashed its daily infection record with 4,571 new cases (prior to this latest wave, the record was 3,127 from back in January).
Projections show that the province could reach its hospitalization capacity by early January. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said in a news conference, "The situation is critical. The explosion of cases is overwhelming."
Numerous concerts in Quebec and across the country have been delayed or cancelled due to the Omicron variant. Ontario and British Columbia have reduced capacity limits for large venues, and Ontario has banned eating and drinking in concerts, movies, sports games and other indoor events.
