From Dec. 25, 2020 to Jan. 10, 2021 inclusive, all non-essential businesses in the province of Quebec will close for the holiday season to limit the spread of COVID-19, according to an announcement from the provincial government — a move that will also impact car dealerships.
As for Dec. 20, the number of new cases in the province was 2,108, bringing the total number of infected people to 179,093. So far, 152,869 people have recovered. The number of hospitalizations increased by 38 from the previous day, which also saw 115 doses of the vaccine administered.
“The virus is still very present in Quebec. Some of our hospitals have reached their capacity limit,” said Quebec Premier François Legault. “After numerous discussions with public health officials, with the Minister of Health, Mr. Christian Dubé, and with all the ministers, I am announcing that we will be taking a holiday break until January 10 (inclusive).”
Retail businesses, including automotive retail, and personal care businesses are among the list deemed as non-essential for this period, with some exceptions: dealership service departments, for example, can remain open for the repair or maintenance of a vehicle — including repair and maintenance centres. The sales department will remain closed, but online commerce and delivery are allowed.
The move is an extension of a partial lockdown that Quebec has been under since the fall. And as of Dec. 17, working remotely became mandatory for anyone in an office, with some exceptions.
“With these measures, we give ourselves every chance to maintain control in our hospitals. We must take advantage of the slowdown that will take place during the holiday season to break the second wave,” said Legault. “The goal is to start 2021 on the right foot, so that we all reach the finish line together.”
It remains to be seen if the lockdown, including the restriction of private gatherings in red zones during this period will help slowdown the spread of the virus, or if it will be extended further into January 2021.
