After a novel coronavirus outbreak in the area, a small community on Montreal’s south shore has made masks mandatory inside all businesses starting on Friday.
Health officials say they believe a house party in the municipality of Saint-Chrysostome, located about 50 kilometres south of Montreal, is connected to a series of infections that forced several businesses to close in the nearby town of Mercier.
“The municipal council is strongly counting on the collaboration of businesses and citizens,” the municipality wrote in a statement on social media. “These measures are essential in the fight against COVID-19, and we thank you in advance.”
The municipality of Ormstown, located about one hour southwest of Montreal in the Montérégie region, has also implemented the same measure for indoor public spaces. Officials said in a statement the decision echoes the request of merchants who wish to protect staff and customers.
READ MORE: Quebec bans bars from selling alcohol after midnight to limit coronavirus outbreaks
Quebec, which continues to be the province hardest hit by the pandemic, reported 100 new cases on Friday, bringing the total to 56,316.
The health crisis has led to 5,612 deaths attributable to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, to date. Authorities recorded three new deaths from the previous day, though one of those deaths occurred before July 2.
The number of hospitalizations has reached 317, an increase of nine. There are 24 patients in intensive care, a decrease of three from Thursday.
New rules for bars also come into effect on Friday in a bid to limit outbreaks of the virus. Alcohol can only be served until midnight, and 1 a.m. is the new closing time for all bars.
Dancing is also prohibited, and bars must operate at a 50 per cent capacity as part of the new regulations issued by the government.
The restrictions come after public health authorities urged patrons who visited Mile Public House on Montreal’s south shore during the night of June 30 to get tested for the virus.
Health Minister Christian Dubé said the measures are necessary to ensure public health directives are being followed. After more than three months of closures, bars were given the green light to reopen on June 25.
— With files from the Canadian Press
Comments