• A new protective measure to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Quebec is being put in place as of today, March 15: the closure of non-essential establishments.
• These include bars, gyms, pools, and more.
• Read what Premier Legault said during the press conference on March 15, 2020, below.
• Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.

As of today, March 15, at 11 a.m., the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Quebec reached a total of 35. At 1 p.m., Premier François Legault held a press conference in which he provided the people of Quebec with new updates on the protective measures that the Government of Quebec will be taking in hopes of stopping the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

After telling the public that the number of confirmed cases in our province has reached 35, Legault stated "it confirms the importance of putting all the chances on our side to slow down the contagion over the next few days. That's why we're asking, starting today, to close the places where people gather. Therefore, we will be closing bars, cinemas, libraries, training centres, ski centres, swimming pools and more."

On March 14, Legault declared the spread of coronavirus in Quebec a public health emergency, stating "this is a race against the clock."

The new protective measures of closing all "non-essential" establishments are a response to such an emergency.

Legault chose to shine a positive light on the situation, by saying that such closures should convince people to take a walk in the sunshine instead. "It’s calming and good for the morale," he stated.

You can read a transcription of the press conference on March 15, 2020, here.

When Premier Legault began discussing the fate of Quebec's restaurants during this time, he said "obviously, there is the importance of feeding people. So, what we're asking restaurant owners to do is to limit the number of customers to 50% of their capacity."

This means restaurants will not be shutting down unless their owners personally choose to do so.

Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec's Director of Public Health, also spoke out about the current situation during this press conference. "It’s not time to panic, but time to act," he said.

Other advice that the Premier of Quebec gave to the public during this time of emergency, was that "it is also important that Canadians return to Canada quickly."

Legault recently shared the tweet below, which states "what we're doing, all of us together, it's going to save lives."

Clicking on the link provided in his tweet will allow you to watch the entire press conference.

Legault also included with some uplifting words into his messages to the public:

"I realize very well that we are asking a lot of you, that we are putting a lot of restrictions on your normal life, but tell yourself that what we are doing right now will save lives. So, I know that Quebecers are strong and I am certain that together we are capable of winning the battle."

Information on hygiene practices during the pandemic is available on the Government of Canada's website here.

This article has been updated.

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