Public health expands capacity for outdoor events

The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) announced that they would allow an increase in capacity for outdoor venues, as long as they can accommodate a larger audience while respecting health and safety measures.

As of July 2, the limit for outdoor festivals and events, which had been set at 3,500 people, will be raised to 5,000 people. Amphitheatres and outdoor stadiums with assigned seating must keep a 1.5 metre distance between people who do not live at the same address.

Quebec’s public health authority also concluded that it will not increase the capacity at the Bell Centre, despite calls from hockey fans and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante to allow more people into the arena. The MSSS said its decision was made to limit the spread of COVID-19.

According to a press release, the current rules will remain the same. Performance halls, amphitheatres, and indoor stadiums with assigned seating can present shows and sporting events with an audience of up to 3,500 people.

The province of Quebec reported 219 new cases of COVID-19 over the last two days, 126 on Wednesday and 93 on Thursday, bringing the total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic to 374,950, with 886 active cases. The number of Covidrelated deaths increased to 11,214, while the number of hospitalizations as a result of the virus dropped to 113, with 34 in intensive care.

In keeping with the new protocol announced last week, the Eastern Townships’ public health department did not provide an update on Thursday, but two new cases were reported on Wednesday. The number of active cases in the region was 14 as of that report, eight of which were in the Hauteyamaska, and three of which were in Sherbrooke. As of the information available at the time of this writing, there were seven people hospitalized due to Covid in the region, none of whom were in intensive care.

On Wednesday morning the director of the regional vaccination campaign, Jean Delisle, said that the Townships is still short close to 8,500 people under the age of 40 to reach the goal of 75 per cent vaccination across all age groups.

“We are counting on young people to improve vaccination coverage in the Eastern Townships,” he said, adding that there is also a special effort being made to reach people in the Des Sources and Haut-saint-françois areas, where rates are lower.

The vaccination clinic hosted by BRP at 1111, boul. des Cyprès, in Valcourt will be offering 400 doses of Pfizer on a first come, first served basis on Friday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.