Quebec Bars Can Reopen Today But There's No Dancing Anymore
As the spread of COVID-19 starts to slow in Quebec, life is starting to return to (almost) normal. Following announcements about gyms and restaurants reopening, we now know that Quebec bars will reopen, too. If you've missed grabbing a pint with friends at the bar, then you're in luck, and you're not alone.
On Thursday, June 25, Dr. Horacio Arruda spoke at a press conference about the final stages of relaxing restrictions for the summer ahead.
Of course, the bar experience will be different. In addition to social distancing measures, you won't be able to get down on the dancefloor for a while.
"Customers should be seated in bars to avoid the movement of people inside establishments," said Dr. Arruda.
Also, they will have to follow the rules for capacity. There will be no more than 50 people allowed in one establishment
Similar to how things are working at restaurants now, groups at bars will be capped at a maximum of 10 people sitting together.
This announcement on Thursday, June 25, included so much more than just your local watering hole.
It also included water parks, spas, casinos and hotels.
Only three things remain restricted: events and festivals, combat sports, and summer camps with overnight stays.
In his update, the good doctor also shared that there were 142 new cases and six deaths.
This will also be the last of their daily pressers, as they will begin releasing COVID-19 data in the province on a weekly basis.
The next report is expected on July 2. Until then, Quebecers will likely be splitting a bottle of red with friends at the bar.
With terrasses across the province about to open, there's good reason to cheer. However, you still need to be careful because the pandemic is far from over.
Dr. Arruda said that he's expecting a second wave to happen in the future.
Now that almost all sectors of life in Quebec are allowed to reopen, the province will have to see if there's a resurgence of COVID-19 as there have been in other regions.
This article was originally published in French on Narcity Quebec.