A connection aimed at curbing an increasing tide of COVID-19 cases has come into effect in Quebec
The measure is needed to prevent rallies that have fueled the turbulent spread of the virus, Prime Minister Francois Legault said when he announced the rules earlier this week. The French-speaking Canadian province has more than 8.4 million inhabitants.
“The situation is critical and a shock treatment is needed,” Legault said in a Facebook message earlier on Saturday. ‘Our hospitals are full of COVID-19 patients. Hundreds of people are in intensive care and fighting for their lives. Ten people die every day. ”
According to the rules, most residents will face police questions or fines of up to $ 6,000 Canadian ($ 4,728) if they are out between 20:00 and 05:00 for the next four weeks.
There are exceptions for essential workers, people walking dogs, and those who have medical reasons to be outside, such as a doctor’s appointment.
Sometimes the evening clock saw sharp resistance.
Just before the evening bell went off, several dozen people walked through the streets of the Plateau district in Montreal, chanting ‘freedom’ as five police cruisers dragged behind them with light flashing lights. A helicopter hovered overhead, and police cruisers lay along the streets.
According to the provisions of the evening clock, grocery stores and convenience stores must close at 19:30 to bring workers and customers home. Stores connected to filling stations can remain open to serve essential workers.
The curfew comes as the incidence of COVID-19 and deaths in Quebec continues to rise, and hospitals said they are getting full and at risk of being overwhelmed.
The trend continued on Saturday when the province reported 3,127 new cases of coronavirus infections and 41 deaths related to COVID-19. It was the first time the province’s daily score had reached 3,000 points.