Quebec Premier François Legault recently announced new COVID-19 measures (Order) that came into force on January 9, 2021, at 12 a.m., and will remain in force across Quebec until February 8, 2021.

CURFEW

The Quebec government has ordered a curfew effective January 9 until February 8, 2021, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. across Quebec, except in the Nord-du-Québec region. During curfew hours, residents of the designated regions are prohibited from being outside of their homes, except for those whose work requires them to travel or who have another legitimate reason to be outside during these hours.

While no attestation is required for workers who need to be away from home during the curfew in order to fulfill their responsibilities and carry out their work-related duties, the government recommends that employers provide such an attestation to their employees. Employers may use the Attestation Model (in French only) made available by the Quebec government or contact us if they have any questions in this regard.

Any person violating the curfew is liable to fines ranging from C$1,000 to C$6,000.

CONTINUED CLOSURE OF COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES

Retail stores, as well as personal care and beauty care businesses, are to remain closed up to and including February 8, 2021, subject to certain exceptions for priority commercial enterprises announced in December 2020 and other exceptions.

However, non-priority commercial enterprises may offer on-site pickup for products purchased online or by phone, so long as customers do not enter the premises.

REMOTE WORK

Working from home remains mandatory up to and including February 8, 2021, for people working in offices, except for workers whose employers deem their presence necessary to pursue the organization’s operations.

MANUFACTURING, PRIMARY PROCESSING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTORS

The manufacturing, primary processing and construction sectors may continue to carry out their activities. The Order provides that companies in these sectors must reduce their activities to a minimum to fulfill their commitments. Workplace interventions will be increased to ensure compliance with health recommendations.

OTHER MEASURES

All other restrictions remain in place.

More information on these measures may be found on the government’s website.