Gradual resumption of sports, leisure and outdoor activities
Gradual resumption of sports, leisure and outdoor activities
As of May 20th, certain individual recreational sports activities taking place outside will be permitted throughout Quebec, under certain conditions.
The Minister for Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Isabelle Charest, made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, listing some of the sports that will be allowed.
« We are starting to return to normal, which will be done step by step. Our priority remains the health of the population and thanks to the discipline we have given ourselves in the past months, I am convinced that we will be able to remain safe while bringing physical activity back into our daily lives. » – Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women
To minimize the risk of contagion, activities will resume in compliance with the recommendations of public health authorities. Each activity was evaluated according to five criteria:
– physical distance between people during the activity;
– the place of practice (less risk when practicing outside);
– the required equipment;
– the context of practice (less risk during free practice);
– travel (less risk for local activities).
As for the outdoor swimming pools and the soccer or softball leagues, they should be able to resume their activities without competition during another reopening phase.
All these activities can be practiced by people with physical limitations. People living under the same roof as the disabled person can offer support if necessary.
Furthermore, guides were produced in collaboration with the CNESST and the National Institute of Public Health to help Quebecers resume their activities safely.
« In the current context, I expect outdoor enthusiasts and day fishing to respect public health guidelines so that everyone can enjoy the joys of the outdoors in a safe environment. » – Pierre Dufour, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region
Individual or two-person practice without contact and for recreational purposes will be permitted in outdoor practice areas, without access or minimal access to the toilet facilities.
The national parks and wildlife reserves of the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SÉPAQ) will also be partially and gradually reopened from this date, and only for daily activities.
