A curfew to contain a growing wave of COVID-19 cases took effect in Quebec
The move is necessary to avoid meetings that fueled the widespread spread of the virus, Prime Minister François Legault said in announcing the rules earlier this week. The French-speaking Canadian province has a population of more than 8.4 million.
“The situation is critical and shock treatment is needed,” Legault said in a Facebook post on Saturday. “Our hospitals are filling up with patients with COVID-19. Hundreds of people are in intensive care, fighting for their lives. Dozens of people die every day. “
The rules will cause most residents to face police issues or fines of up to $ 6,000 Canadian ($ 4,728) if they leave between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am in the next four weeks.
There are exceptions for essential workers, people who walk dogs and those who have medical reasons to be out, like a doctor’s appointment.
The curfew met strong resistance from some.
Just before the curfew came into effect, a few dozen people walked the streets of Montreal’s Plateau district, shouting “freedom” as five police vehicles with flashing lights followed behind them. A helicopter hovered overhead, and police cars lined the streets.
Under the curfew terms, supermarkets and convenience stores will have to close until 7:30 pm to allow workers and customers to return home. Stores connected to gas stations can remain open to serve essential workers.
The curfew comes at a time when COVID-19 cases and deaths in Quebec continue to rise, with hospitals saying they are becoming overcrowded and at risk of being overwhelmed.
The trend continued on Saturday as the province reported 3,127 new cases of coronavirus infections and another 41 deaths associated with COVID-19. It was the first time that the province’s daily case count exceeded the 3,000 mark.