Quebec vaccine passport dropped today, along with nearly all COVID-19 measures
Posted Mar 12, 2022 03:52:07 PM.
Saturday marks a return to a more ‘normal life’ for Quebecers, with almost all COVID-19 health restrictions now lifted – except for mask mandates. The vaccine passport has been fully dropped as well.
Bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more, no longer have capacity limits.
The Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, March 12 can welcome 21,302 fans.
Other changes as of Saturday: Quebecers who have been in contact at home with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 no longer have to self-isolate. Public health announced earlier this week that those close contacts will need to monitor their symptoms for 10 days, wear a mask and avoid situations where they have to remove their face covering or are in close contact with others, especially those at high risk.
Previously, anyone living with an infected person had to isolate for five days.
As of Monday, March 14, masks in class for elementary and high school students in Laval, Que., and some other regions now returning from spring break, will be dropped. They are still required in all common areas and on school transit. Students in Montreal had the changes come into effect March 7.
The Quebec government is not ready to lift all mask mandates, but officials say it could happen sooner than initially expected, which was mid-April. Mask mandates could be lifted around the end of March.
While public-health officials say they will be keeping a close eye to see how the epidemiological situation evolves, they are confident their recent decisions were made prudently.
“The level of immunity within the community, almost three million Quebecers infected by now, is now ready to accept the easing of measures,” said Dr. Luc Boileau at a press conference on Thursday.
Public health also added that a fourth booster shot could be soon recommended for those at high-risk, like the immunocompromised.
