Here's a list of acceptable reasons for being out after curfew in Quebec
The 8 p.m. curfew will be in effect from Jan. 9 until Feb. 8
Now that the Quebec government has introduced a curfew for most of the province, the list of reasons for being out at night has dwindled to a handful.
The curfew is part of the province's new measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, and will be in effect from Saturday, Jan. 9 until Feb. 8.
Anyone caught out and about between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a valid reason could face a fine of between $1,000 and $6,000.
Under the new rules, acceptable reasons for being outside include:
- People going to and coming from work, or a work-related activity.
- Parents picking up teenagers from work.
- People going to or coming from an education activity at a recognized school such as a night class or lab.
- People who work in the transportation of goods sector.
- People who are providing necessary health services to someone else, or attending the bedside of a sick family member.
- Driving someone to a medical appointment, either a child or someone who can't drive themselves.
- People who require immediate medical attention, or have an appointment with a dentist or optometrist.
- People who are dropping kids off to comply with a custody agreement or parental visitation.
- People who are coming from or going to train stations or airports for travel.
- People who are shopping for essential items that cannot be deferred (ex. pharmacies).
- People who are walking their dog within one kilometre of their home.
Those who are circulating during curfew hours may be stopped by police and asked to provide proof of their reason for travel.
On Thursday, Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault said that while people are allowed to be outside in their own backyards after curfew, no circulating in public will be allowed, even on foot.
She said this includes things like late-night jogs and smoke breaks on public sidewalks.
