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The Greater Montreal area will be designated a COVID-19 “red zone” as of Thursday, the highest possible alert level established by the provincial government.
Under the new status, people are no longer allowed to receive guests at home, except for people who need a caregiver or services.
Restaurants, bars, casinos and movie theatres will also close. Restaurants need to close their dining rooms but can remain open for takeout service.
The government is also recommending people limit travel between regions.
Quebec Premier François Legault made the announcement during a late afternoon news conference Monday. Quebec City and the Chaudière-Appalaches regions have also been moved to the “red” level.
The measures will be in effect for the next 28 days.
“We need to take responsibility and take difficult decisions,” Legault said, noting the increase in cases can only eventually lead to more hospitalizations and deaths.
