On the recommendation of public health authorities, the Government of Quebec announced this week that as of Monday, Aug. 3, the maximum number of people allowed at indoor and outdoor events will increase from 50 to 250 people, on the condition that hygiene guidelines and physical distancing are maintained.
This new rule applies to public places and not to indoor and outdoor gatherings in a private residence or cottage, which remain capped at 10 people.
Indoor events
The increase to 250 people applies to theatres and cinemas across Quebec, as well as to the public attending a production, an indoor audiovisual shoot or an indoor performance. When standing, spectators will have to maintain a distance of two metres between them as much as possible. People over 12 years of age must also wear a mask or face shield when moving about, unless they have a specific medical condition. When spectators are seated, a physical distance of 1.5 metres will be allowed. People from the same household may be seated together. Seated spectators may remove their masks or face covers but must put them back on when moving.
The increase in capacity to 250 people also applies to indoor amateur sports training or events, as well as places of worship, courtrooms and rented rooms, including community halls.
Outdoor events
Starting Aug. 3, outdoor events in public places respecting a maximum of 250 people will be permitted. As in other circumstances, a distance of two metres is required between people. If that is not possible, wearing a mask or face cover is mandatory for people over 12 years of age, unless they have a medical condition.
Please note that because of the significant risk of contagion and transmission of the virus, festivals and major events remain prohibited until Aug. 31.
In the last 24 hours Quebec reported 142 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the total in the province to 58,080.
In the Estrie region one new case was reported in the last day bringing the local total to 993.
No new deaths were reported yesterday. The total in the province stands at 5,662.
Hospitalizations decreased by 14 to 221.
Of those, 14 patients are in intensive care, down two from the day before.
At least 50,505 people are considered recovered from the disease.
