Quebec Premier François Legault recently announced the relaxation of certain COVID-19 measures currently in place. These changes will come into effect on February 8, 2021, at midnight.

CURFEW

The Quebec government announced that a curfew will remain in effect for all of Quebec, every day from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., until at least February 21, 2021, except for the following regions: Nord-du-Québec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine. In these regions, a curfew will be in effect every day from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. until February 21, 2021.

It is prohibited for anyone in the designated regions to travel outside their home during curfew, except for individuals who are required to travel as part of their work or have another legitimate reason for being outside during curfew.

In addition, while no attestation is required for workers who must travel outside their home during curfew hours to carry out their work-related responsibilities and duties, the Quebec government recommends that employers provide them with such an attestation. Employers may use the Quebec government’s Attestation Form or contact us if they have any questions on this matter.

Anyone who violates the curfew is liable to a fine ranging from C$1,000 to C$6,000.

REOPENING BUSINESSES AND MAINTAINING ACTIVITIES

Subject to social distancing and curfew rules, retail, personal care and beauty care businesses, and museums throughout the province may reopen as of February 8, 2021.

While the manufacturing, primary processing and construction sectors may pursue their activities, these are to be limited to reduced activities that will allow businesses in these sectors to fulfill their commitments. Workplace interventions will continue to ensure compliance with health guidelines.

In the regions of Nord-du-Québec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine restaurants and indoor training facilities, among others, may reopen as of February 8, 2021. 

TELEWORKING

Teleworking will remain mandatory up to and including February 21, 2021, for all individuals working in offices, with the exception of workers whose employers deem their physical presence necessary to pursue the organization’s activities.

INTER-REGIONAL TRAVEL

As of the date of this bulletin, the Quebec government announced that no police checkpoints would be set up to limit inter-regional travel. However, if workers are required to travel between regions, it may be useful that they be provided with a specific attestation for this purpose or that a note to this effect be added in a curfew attestation (see above).

OTHER MEASURES

All other restrictive measures remain in effect. More information on these measures may be found on the Quebec government’s website.