Quebecers who violate public fitness regulations to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus will face serious consequences this weekend, the province’s prime minister said Thursday.
Francois Legault warned that the government will take strong action against COVID-19 violations from Saturday by applying fines to others who do not wear masks when necessary, such as public transport or indoor public spaces.
“I think we’re still in a scenario that’s under control, but a trend we don’t like,” he said, referring to a recent build-up of cases.
Legault said that most Quebecers adhere to public fitness guidelines, however, it is “unacceptable” that some are, and put older people and the province’s health care formula at risk.
“Unfortunately, there are a small minority of irresponsible people who don’t adhere to the rules,” he said.
Fines will be more than $50, however Legault said the exact amount will be announced in the coming days through the province’s Minister of Public Security after a special cabinet meeting.
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Legault said government repression would be more difficult in spaces that have exceeded the first point of the province’s COVID-19 regional alert system.
Quebec on Tuesday introduced a four-tier color-coded formula: green for surveillance, yellow for early warning, orange for moderate alert, and red for alertness.
Most of the province remains at the surveillance point. Quebec City, the East, Laval and Ottawa regions have recently been classified in the yellow zone.
“In the yellow zone, the first thing people will notice is that there will be more inspections,” health minister Christian Dubé said.
The resolution comes after repeated calls from the government and public aptitude for Quebecers to exercise more caution in their daily activities to avoid a wave of viruses at a time imaginable.
They say personal events, such as dinners, have been linked to the buildup of new infections.
The province reported 188 new and two deaths on Thursday, while Quebec reported 64,244 and 5,773 deaths.
When asked about recent reports of long queues for testing, Dubé requested to make appointments to go to clinics without an appointment when possible.
He said the province was aware that more Quebecers would seek exams when schools reopen, but admitted they did not expect such an influx.
READ MORE: Laval adds 2 new COVID-19 test centers to meet growing demand
Dubé said the province is expanding the number of screening centers and creating an online formula for making appointments.
In west Montreal, some other people said this week that they had stayed outdoors for hours hoping to get tested.
The city of Laval is also adding two screening clinics to meet the highest demand.
– With the Canadian press