Effective this Thursday, October 8, 2020, associative activities in the recreational sector, for both sports and leisure, will be prohibited in red zones, Minister Isabelle Charest announced yesterday. This will be in effect until October 28. Only individual practice is permitted.
Individual sports activities, maintaining a two-meter distance, are still permitted, as are activities practiced with a member of your family bubble.
Training Studios
In a professional context, artists may continue training and creation. Practice venues therefore remain open as usual, and the 2-meter distance must be respected at all times. It is also possible to train with physical contact (for example, hand-to-hand) provided a surgical mask is worn. The guidelines from CNESST and DGSP are the same as last week in this regard.
However, gyms will have to close from October 8 to 28. Assistance measures will be announced to owners of fitness centers in the coming days.
Higher Education
Also effective October 8, higher education institutions in red zones must implement their emergency protocol, Danielle McCann, Minister of Higher Education, announced. The emergency protocol aims to reduce the movement of students and teaching staff. Wherever possible, courses must be offered remotely.
Secondary Schools
The Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge, also announced additional measures for schools located in red zones, applicable starting Thursday. Specifically, mask-wearing will be mandatory around schools and in common areas. In secondary schools, it will also be mandatory in classrooms. Furthermore, students in Secondary 4 and 5 will attend school every other day. School outings, as well as intramural and interscholastic competitions, will be suspended until October 28.
The Government of Canada also invites all citizens to download the COVID Alert application, which will allow you to receive notifications directly on your smartphone if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.