Monday is a big day for the Montreal area. Some retail stores will finally reopen after first closing in March. The government had already postponed the date twice after the situation in the city showed little signs of improvement for weeks.

Outside of the Montreal area, retail stores began to open on May 4.

Specifically, only those stores "with direct exterior access" are allowed to open. Malls will remain closed.

The May 25 reopening affects the entire Montreal metropolitan community (CMM), the 82 municipalities, including Laval and Longueuil, that make up the metro area.

"Businesses in the supply chain of [retail stores]" can resume their operations on the same date, according to the government website.

Also as of Monday, "manufacturing companies throughout Quebec will be authorized to resume their operations with no restriction on the number of employees present to ensure such operations."

Public health authorities insist that residents continue to follow their guidelines, however, including:

• regular hand-washing;

• practicing "proper cough and sneeze etiquette;"

• and maintaining a distance of two metres from other individuals.

Municipal and provincial leaders now also ask that the public wear masks in situations, like grocery or retail shopping, where social distancing is difficult.

Masks are also "strongly recommended" on public transit.

As retail store employees and customers once again head out, the STM has begun handing out free reusable masks at 39 metro stations.

The May 25 reopenings are just the latest in a string of developments in Quebec.

On Friday, the government began allowing gatherings of a maximum of ten people from a maximum of three different households. 

Gathering attendees still must try to stay two metres away from each other.

Over the weekend, Montreal began to reopen some public spaces and sports facilities, including dog parks, Île Notre-Dame in Parc Jean-Drapeau, pétanque courts, and golf courses.

As for forthcoming openings, museums and some library services will be allowed to resume activities across the province on May 29.

Drive-in movie theatres will reopen with some restrictions on the same date.

On June 1, private health care practices can reopen. Personal aesthetic care services, like salons, will also open, but only outside the CMM.

Quebecers are still waiting for a number of other reopening announcements, especially for restaurants and camping.

Stay tuned for more news.