Monday the provincial government announced the resumption of activities in the restaurant sector as of June 15 outside Greater Montreal, Joliette MRC and the City of L’Épiphanie. In the latter territories, activities will be able to resume as of June 22.
Restaurateurs will thus be able to open their eating areas, including dining rooms and terraces. The service areas must be laid out in such a way as to maintain a physical distance of two metres between customers, unless they are occupants of the same private residence or a physical barrier is in place to limit contagion.
Customers will not be allowed to serve themselves directly from a buffet or self-service food counter (e.g., salad bar, bread bar).
In shopping centres that are authorized to open, common eating areas may be used by customers as long as they have been set up in accordance with the conditions set out by public health authorities.
The Public Health Department has defined the conditions for the protection of customers. As for the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), it has produced tools to support the restaurant sector in taking charge of worker health and safety in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant associations, restaurant chains and chef owners have worked together to set the stage for a safe reopening for both employees and customers. With the exception of take-out, delivery and drive-through orders, restaurant operations have been suspended since March 23, 2020.
In addition, during the summer, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) will relax the rules to allow restaurant owners to modify or expand their service areas. With the agreement of their municipality, they can obtain authorization to temporarily operate a liquor permit on a terrace in the context of COVID-19. Applications will be expedited.
Indoor gatherings
Quebec’s public health authorities also announced that it will soon be possible to meet in private indoor venues, provided that the maximum number of people does not exceed 10.
It is recommended that a maximum of three separate households be involved and that all sanitary measures that apply to all other gatherings be respected.
Indoor gatherings will be permitted as of June 15 outside Greater Montreal, Joliette MRC and the City of L’Épiphanie. For those territories, these gatherings will be permitted as of June 22. These measures are consistent with the measures currently recommended for gatherings in a private outdoor location, which remain favourable, weather permitting.
During these gatherings, basic instructions must be followed at all times, including those concerning hand washing, avoiding unnecessary touching of common surfaces and objects, and the wearing of face coverings if the minimum distance cannot be respected. It should be noted that food may be served, but buffet-style meals should be avoided. Children can play together, but with precautionary measures.
It is recommended that people at risk, i.e., people over 70 years of age or those with low immunity not participate in such gatherings. In addition, anyone diagnosed, under investigation or with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should stay home and avoid gatherings.
Restaurants can reopen June 15
Record Staff
