Up to 10 people can now gather to worship, Quebec says
Up to 10 people will now be allowed to visit places of worship during Quebec's COVID-19 lockdown, including in red zones.
“A maximum of 10 persons may be in attendance at a place of worship,” reads an order published on Thursday by the health ministry.
Premier François Legault's office confirmed the change is effective immediately.
“We are very, very excited and very appreciative of the latest news that we've received from the government,” said Rabbi Saul Emanuel from the Jewish Community Council of Montreal. “This change will certainly help both psychologically and physically the needs of the community, which is a very welcome change.”
The health ministry said the loosening of the restriction on gatherings carries some limits. For example, singing will be barred during religious services since the activity carries a risk of transmitting the virus. As well, congregants will have to register to attend services to facilitate the work of contact tracers in case of an outbreak. But while places of worship won't be allowed to provide shelter, a person needing to meet with a religious leader for comfort or support will be permitted to do so inside the place of worship outside usual services. Religious leaders are also expected to lead by example and encourage their worshippers to abide by the rules concerning masks, hand-washing and physical distancing.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal said in a press release it would leave it up to its parishes to decide whether or not to open their churches this weekend or wait. The relaxation of the rules on gathering, it said, open up the possibility of resuming weekday masses and offering confession and communion in the church, albeit by appointment or time slot.
Places of worship had remained open with limited capacity during Quebec's semi-lockdown, which began in October, but were forced to close at the beginning of January when the province announced its latest lockdown measures.
They were scheduled to remain closed until at least Feb. 8, an exception being funerals, when gatherings of up to 25 people are allowed.
The news comes a week and half after a number of ultra-orthodox Jewish congregations sent a lawyer's letter to Legault's office, asking him to reconsider the ban.
“We have been in contact with government officials throughout the pandemic and they've always worked very well with us and there's always been dialogue, and they've always been open,” Emanuel said. “They're very sympathetic to our concerns. It's always been a very constructive relationship and working relationship together with members of the government.”