The provincial government announced on Nov. 20 its public-health approved plans to allow people to gather over four days during the holidays, and then tightened the guidelines the following day. Quebecers should be able to gather on two occasions with up to 10 people during the four days over Christmas, provided they are able to isolate for seven days up to Dec. 24 and again after Dec. 27. The plan excludes health-care workers, essential workers and anyone who is not able to isolate for the prescribed period.
In a video posted to Facebook, Dr. Julie Loslier, the director of the Direction de Santé Publique de la Montérégie, outlined the significance of the seven-day isolation period, while clarifying the difference between this and the mandatory case-contact isolation periods of up to 14 days. The seven-day isolation is designed to work as a preventive measure as any symptoms that may develop will most likely appear within seven days either before or after a gathering. Loslier reminded residents of the Montérégie of the importance of avoiding all gatherings if even the slightest symptoms are apparent, before also confirming there can be no office parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations in groups outside of family bubbles.
For Dr. Catherine Bélanger, the COVID-19 coordinator for the Haut-Saint-Laurent Local Health Network, keeping things within reason will be key this holiday. The number of infections in the region has slowed over the past two weeks, although a few cases are still being diagnosed. Enough, says Bélanger, that people should still exercise caution by opting to shop online or locally while avoiding peak hours.
As for the Christmas plan, Bélanger suggests she understands that not seeing family during the holidays can be distressing. “We want to be smart about it,” she says. “Once we have beaten COVID, then we’ll rejoice.” At the same time, she admits that a spike in cases and hospitalizations after the holidays is probably inevitable. “It is hard. Patience is key,” she says, of staying the course. “It’s Christmas in a pandemic – it’s different.”