Nonessential businesses to remain closed till May 4
With COVID-19 cases still on an upward slope in the province, Quebec Premier Francois Legault announced during his Sunday briefing that non-essential businesses will remain closed until May 4.
Legault had previously set a deadline of April 13, but explained that until positive cases are on a downward curve re-opening businesses would not be wise.
On a positive note, Legault sited Goggle data that suggests Quebecers are nailing social distancing. The Premier said that according to data collected by the online site the province is putting more effort into safe distance measures than any other Canadian provinces or American States.
“Physical distancing is the most powerful weapon we have to win the battle,” Legault said, explaining that the province is reaching a critical phase in the fight against COVID-19.
“We are preparing the restart of the economy, but if we relax our efforts, we just extend the moment we will be able to go back to our lives. Every action counts more than ever, each gesture saves lives,” he said.
In the meantime, Legault said he understands how discouraged local businesses must be, especially entrepreneurs that spent years developing a business that are now falling victim to a crisis beyond their control.
AWalmart employee from the Galeries Quatre Saisons location is in critical condition after being struck by a car driven by a man who was frustrated by social distancing measures when he tried to enter the store.
Sherbrooke police were called to the scene around 5 p.m. Saturday evening.
Upon arrival, officers were told that a customer accompanied by his spouse wanted to enter the Walmart, but did not respect the store’s social distancing measures with respect to COVID-19. Only one customer at a time per vehicle is permitted to enter.
A security officer had to intervene and the two people left the business. The altercation continued in the parking lot. At one point, the frustrated customer drove his vehicle directly into the employee, dragging him on the hood for several metres. The driver performed a maneuver to knock the man down and he sustained very serious head injuries. The suspects fled, but police were able to track the couple to a Sherbrooke apartment later that evening.