Quebec Is Ramping Up Police Presence For March Break — Especially In These Spots

The provincial government is getting ready for March break in Quebec, promising an increased police presence at holiday resorts, snowmobile and off-road vehicle trails, parks, and skating rinks, among other "outdoor locations" ahead of what's usually a popular week for travel.

The additional police presence is just one of the measures the government is planning to ensure the public complies with public health rules during the break.

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March break is not a week to slack off.

Geneviève Guilbault

The Ministry of Public Security has also promised "increased visits to shopping malls and businesses with exterior entrances to ensure that business guidelines are followed" and visits to restaurants in orange zones, where indoor dining is allowed.

Authorities will give "special attention" to "gatherings in private residences and public places."

The ministry further did not rule out the use of traffic controls to enforce curfew in both red and orange zones.

The government continues to discourage interregional travel.

Those who gather with people who come from outside of their household bubble in violation of their region's public health rules will be subject to the usual hefty fines of between $1,000 and $6,000.

"I invite our citizens to take advantage of this period to get some fresh air and have a good time while respecting health rules," Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Security Geneviève Guilbault said in a statement.

Premier François Legault previously called the March break a "worry" for the government, given the potential for an increase in travel and mixing of households.

"We're going in the right direction, but we have to be extremely careful," he said on February 9.

This article's cover image is used for illustrative purposes only.