Legault Hopes To Announce 'Breathing Room' For Quebec Retailers On Tuesday

Premier François Legault hinted at the possibility of reopening some Quebec shops in a Facebook post on January 30. 

The Facebook post serves as a potential preview of upcoming decisions regarding which rules will stay and which will go post-February 8, the original cut-off date for the current lockdown — however, the premier said things could change between now and next week's announcement.

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I would like to be able to relax some of the rules. I would like, if the situation allows it, to be able to give some breathing room back to our merchants.

Premier François Legault

Two days earlier, Legault said in a press conference that certain measures could be relaxed in some regions of Quebec but most restrictions would likely remain in place past February 8 — especially in Montreal. 

The premier said he's been in talks with Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé, Public Health Director Dr. Horacio Arruda and other officials to weigh the pros and cons of possible changes. 

"I think about what seems best for the people of Quebec. What guides me in the current context is caution," Legault wrote.

"I tell myself that I must, above all, protect the health and safety of Quebecers."  

In a tweet on January 30, Dubé said that decreasing COVID-19 hospitalizations in Quebec is an "encouraging" sign that the province's lockdown and curfew are working. 

Quebec reported an average daily decrease of 31 COVID-19 hospitalizations between January 23 and 29.

Legault said the government expects to announce whether any restrictions will be lifted in Quebec on February 2.

"For now, we plan to announce our decision next Tuesday at 5 p.m. This will give everyone time to adjust by February 8th," he said.