Outdoor gatherings of 10 people or less will be allowed starting on Friday

Outdoor gatherings of 10 people or less will be allowed starting on Friday

As of this Friday, May 22nd, outdoor gatherings will be allowed, under certain conditions.

The Deputy Premier of Quebec and Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, announced Wednesday that public health authorities have agreed to new rules surrounding outdoor gatherings.

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The conditions :

– gatherings must be limited to a maximum of 10 people
– gatherings must include people from a maximum of 3 households (who live in three different homes)
– the minimum distance of 2 meters must be maintained
– wearing a mask or face covering is strongly recommended
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Concretely, for example, it will now be possible to invite two families of friends to a barbecue in a backyard or let children from three different families play together in the streets, as long as all respect the physical distance from two meters. In all cases, a total grouping of up to ten people will be tolerated outside.

Compliance with the requested measures
The goal behind these flexibility measures, explained Geneviève Guilbault, is to find a balance between the physical and mental health of Quebecers. “For now, it will allow us to see friends again and enjoy the good weather that is coming. I think it will all do us good. But the situation remains fragile and we must remain cautious. This is the first step we are taking today and, if we continue to curb the contagion, we will continue to progress gradually, “she said.

The national director of public health, Horacio Arruda, added that these conditions, and the rules of social distancing will have to continue to be respected, without which Quebec could decide to turn back.

For the moment, only outside gatherings are tolerated, since the risks of contagion of COVID-19 are lower there. Indoor gatherings are still prohibited.

So it’s still not the time to invite friends into homes or apartments, or have suppers with them indoors. The government is aware that these new rules will need to be flexible and subject to good judgment by people in certain situations. A parent who must accompany a child to the bathroom, for example, can enter and leave the house of his host.

To learn more about the coronavirus, the population is invited to consult [https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/]. Information can be obtained using the coronavirus line at 819 644-4545 or 1 877 644-4545 (toll free).