With 797 new cases confirmed on Saturday, the city goes into high alert
Montreal, Quebec City and Chaudière-Appalaches have been placed in the “red zone,” the highest-risk zone for COVID-19. New restrictions will be put into place as soon as Thursday September 30, and will last until October 28. Restrictions are subject to be extended if necessary.
Legault announced this change only a week after placing these high-risk areas in the orange zone, the second-highest alert level.
“The situation has become critical, the number of cases are rising. If we don’t want our hospitals to be submerged, if we want to limit the number of debts, we must act strongly now,” the premier said.
The new restrictions are as follows:
- Dining rooms and patios in restaurants will be closed.
- Theatres, cinemas, and other similar public places will be closed.
- In red zones, places of worship will be open, but only 25 people will be allowed inside at any given time.
- Social distancing measures will be enforced when outside. When within two meters of other people, masks must be worn.
These measures hope to slow down the second wave, and allow schools, workplaces and our health care system to stay afloat for as long as possible.
Hospitals appear to be feeling this second wave, with 37 people already in intensive care units due to the vicious virus.
