Quebec eases more COVID restrictions, working from home not mandatory, bars reopen
Posted February 28, 2022 8:44 am.
Last Updated February 28, 2022 6:31 pm.
Quebec is easing restrictions once more as it continues to make its way back to ‘normal’ by March 14.
As of Monday, the mandatory working from home order is over, but the provincial government still recommends businesses promote a hybrid model. Masks at work no longer required if physical distancing or a barrier can be maintained, but is recommended for high-risk common areas.
“If you’re sitting next to a coworker, if you have two meters apart or you, the partition separating you not wearing a mask is probably going to be one of the biggest adjustments that people are going to have,” said Debby Carreau, CEO & founder of Inspired HR.
Sports competitions and tournaments resume for elementary, high school, CEGEPS, and universities with no limit on the number of participants.
Bars and casinos can reopen at half capacity – customers must remain seated and the vaccine passport is still required. They can close at 1 a.m., with food and drink service ending at midnight – this includes restaurants as well.
Cinemas and theatres can operate at full capacity – with the vaccination passport still enforced until March 14.
MORE: Quebec to fully drop COVID vax passport March 14
If an arena, auditorium, or place of worship has a capacity of 10,000 people or less, they can now operate at 100 per cent capacity.
No capacity or vaccine passport are required for private events in a rented room – like wedding receptions.
Indoor gatherings are allowed with a maximum of 10 people for CHSLDs and a maximum of 10 can also sit at the same dining room table, as long as physical distancing is in place.
CityNews spoke with a few people around Montreal who said they were excited about things getting back to normal.
“I’m excited to get back to normal. It’s been too long, almost two years,” said one Montrealer.
“It’s great to see everyone, the colleagues and just socialize. It’s been lonely at home, so it feels nice.”
“I really like that, being at home. It gave me a lot of flexibility, but I also missing my colleagues. I started a new job during the pandemic, so I have seen my colleagues once or twice in two years,” added another.
