No Curfew Violation Fines Have Been Issued on the Lower North Shore to Date

BLANC-SABLON - JANUARY 12, 2021 - Lower North Shore Residents Respect the Curfew

CFBS was speaking by email this morning with officer Guy Pinard, of the local Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon. He informed us that since the province wide curfew began on Saturday, January 9th, there were no health infractions issued on the Lower North Shore for not respecting the provincial curfew of 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Officer Pinard also wanted to thank all citizens on Lower North Shore for their collaboration in respecting the rules, mentioning that our streets locally have been empty at night. 

Keep in mind that not following the public health directives regarding the provincial curfew could be costly, fines can range from $1000 to $6000 locally if you are caught in violation.

Here is a look at the new restrictions and what's open and what's closed during the four-week curfew that is expected to end on February 8, 2021:
 
CURFEW RULES
The Quebec government says between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., residents will be prohibited from moving outside their place of residence, with exceptions for health care, humanitarian reasons or essential work.
 
EXEMPTIONS:

•  Going out to walk the dog
•  A person whose presence in the workplace is essential
•  A person who must obtain the necessary medications following a medial appointment
•  A person who must go to or return from a hospital, a clinic or a dentist's office
•  A person who must visit a sick or injured parent
•  A student who must participate in a face-to-face evening class or go to a laboratory in a recognized school
•  A person returning home on a night flight from a work-related trip abroad
•  A parent who must accompany a sick child to the hospital
•  A parent who must accompany an adolescent to his work

VISITORS/GATHERINGS

• Private gatherings indoors or outdoors are prohibited
• Visitors from another address are not permitted at your home
• Single individuals are permitted to visit another address
• One informal caregiver is permitted

 
TRAVEL BETWEEN REGIONS
The Quebec government says travel between cities and regions is not recommended, with exceptions for students, workers, shared custody agreements and the transport of goods.
 
EDUCATION

• Pre-school and elementary school students returned to class on Jan. 11.
• All students must wear a face covering at all times in hallways, common areas and on school grounds. Students in grades 5 and 6 must wear a mask while in class.
• High school students will remain at home for online learning until Jan 15. Students will return to class on Jan 18.
• Masks are mandatory at all times in the school and on school grounds.

 
EDUCATIONAL CHILDCARE SERVICES (DAYCARES)

• Daycare services can operate with the maximum number of children indicated on their license
• Home childcare services can receive the regular number of children.
• Educational childcare services will be closed only in the event a COVID-19 outbreak is declared at the facility.

 
SPORTS

• Alpine ski resorts will remain open, but are not allowed to offer evening skiing until Feb. 8.
• The Quebec government says sports and recreational activities must be limited to the family bubble. Activities such as walking, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing is allowed, as long as it's not in a group.

 
BUSINESSES

• All businesses must close their doors no later than 7:30 p.m. in order to comply with the 8 p.m. curfew.
• Pharmacies and gas stations may remain open according to their usual hours. Pharmacies will only be able to sell drugs and essentials.
• The Quebec government says businesses considered non-essential must remain closed until Feb. 8, with staff required to work from home. Businesses with permission to open must offer only goods and services considered essential.
• Businesses can remain open for online purchases and pick-up at the door.

 
OFFICE SPACE
Teleworking is mandatory for people working in offices from Dec. 17, 2020 to Feb. 8, 2021, with the exception of workers who presence is deemed necessary by the employer.
 
RESTAURANTS

• Dining rooms must remain closed
• Restaurants can remain open for delivery, take-out and drive-thru only. The Quebec government says during the curfew period, restaurants may remain open for delivery only.
• Bars, brasseries, taverns and casinos must remain closed.

OTHER BUSINESSES
Museums, cinemas, theatres, personal care settings, saunas and spas must remain closed, except for massage therapy treatments provided.
​

Abbygail Wellman
CFBS Journalist