All non-essential workers must work from home due to increase in COVID-19 cases

Posted on December 20, 2021

Having already reduced the capacity of concerts and cinemas, Quebec is now entering containment and is closing all concert halls and cinemas (as well as bars, gymnasiums and spas) as of today at 5 p.m.

Professional sports matches will still take place but without an audience. Restaurants will be allowed to open, but will operate at half capacity and only from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Schools close earlier for the Christmas holidays and will not return until January 10. All non-essential workers must work from home [via CBC].

The decision was made in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant. Earlier today, the province broke its daily infection record with 4,571 new cases (before this latest wave, the record was 3,127 since January).

Projections show the province could reach hospital capacity by early January. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said at a press conference: “The situation is critical. The explosion of cases is overwhelming.

Many concerts in Quebec and across the country have been delayed or canceled due to the Omicron variant. Ontario and British Columbia have reduced capacity limits for large venues, and Ontario has banned eating and drinking at concerts, movies, sports games and other indoor events.