The Pontiac and all of the Outaouais go into the orange zone as of February 22

The Pontiac and all of the Outaouais go into the orange zone as of February 22

It’s confirmed, the Pontiac and all of the Outaouais will go into the orange zone as of next Monday (February 22). Quebec Premier François Legault, made the announcement during his press conference this evening (February 16), he also added that the government does not favor police roadblocks, but surveillance will be increased for the curfew and respect for family bubbles, mainly in the tourist sectors.

In fact, the Outaouais is the only region that turns orange, the other regions in the red zone remain so. The curfew remains, but from 9:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. The Warden of the MRC Pontiac, Jane Toller, who had recently pleaded for the opening of restaurants, recalled that it is important to remain vigilant all the same but she was delighted by the news.

This means that the restaurants will be open, with a maximum of 2 adults per table who can be accompanied by their minor children. A customer register must be kept. Only guests with proof of residence in the area of ​​the establishment can access it. With the exception of fast food, reservation is required. During the curfew period, only delivery is possible.

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) also reacted by issuing a press release confirming that the Outaouais region is going to the orange alert level as of February 22, 2021.

“The improvement in the epidemiological situation in recent weeks, including the drop in the number of outbreaks and hospitalizations, has enabled this reduction in the level of health measures “- CISSS de l’Outaouais.

Here are the measures of the orange alert level that will come into effect on February 22:
– The curfew will be in effect between 9:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. the next morning, with some exceptions.
– Travel between regions and interprovincial is not recommended.
– Gatherings in private places are prohibited, with some exceptions.
– Restaurants may reopen with a limit of two adults per table accompanied by their children with record keeping and proof of residence in the region
– Bars, brasseries, casinos and taverns must remain closed.
– Sports and leisure activities, including classes, are permitted in indoor public places for individuals, couples or occupants of the same residence. Fitness centers will therefore be able to reopen.
– Outdoor sports or recreational activities will be permitted with a maximum of 8 people.
– Cinemas and theaters will have the opportunity to reopen their doors from February 26, 2021.
– For the rest of the measures surrounding this alert level, see the link here.

The CISSS asks the population to remain cautious
Despite this change of level, the CISSS de l’Outaouais is asking the population to remain cautious and not to slack off. “We must continue to limit the number of non-essential social contacts and follow the basic measures, including physical distancing of 2 meters, wearing of face cover and hand hygiene. Compliance with health measures remains our best tool to prevent other outbreaks and to protect ourselves against Covid-19 “, underlined the CISSS de l’Outaouais. Note that currently, the Pontiac has 5 or fewer active cases of COVID-19. As of February 16, the total number of cases is 124 for the entire Outaouais. More details available here.