Quebec government announces plans for reopening the economy
Posted April 28, 2020 5:34 pm.
Last Updated April 28, 2020 5:51 pm.
MONTREAL (CITYNEWS) – The Quebec government announced its plan to gradually reopen the economy in May.
The plan will start with three types of businesses:
- Stores that are not in shopping malls and have an outdoor entrance;
- Construction and civil engineering businesses;
- Manufacturing businesses.
Retail stores will be allowed to reopen on May 4 across the province with the exception of the greater Montreal region, which will reopen on May 11. Protective measures will remain in place to ensure public health and physical-distancing and will be enforced by workplace health and safety authorities (CNESST).
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As of May 11, the construction sector and all manufacturing companies will also be able to restart activities. Companies will be limited to 50 employees at a time, and only half of a company’s workforce over the age of 50 will be allowed to return. The government plans to have those restrictions lifted on May 25.
Quebec Public Health Director Dr. Horacio Arruda said that all sectors could be closed again if reopening results in uncontrollable outbreaks.
Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon said those able to work from home, should continue to do so, to help minimize the spread of the virus.
Premier Legault stressed that re-opening certain parts of the economy does not mean people should drop physical-distancing measures or begin to gather in groups once again, those are still banned.
“Having parties, dinner parties, family parties, this is something we could avoid doing for a long time. I understand that it might not be good for mental health, and people are looking forward to seeing one another again, but first, people have to stay 2 metres away.”
Legault added the government will be evaluating the effects of reopening the initial sectors in relation to the pandemic before the government makes a plan to reopen other sectors, which include; commercial shopping centres, restaurants for in-person dining, hairdressers, personal care/estheticians/spas, concert halls and venues, and cultural and tourist centres.
