Quebec Universities & CEGEPs Will Be Allowed To Gradually Reopen This Month

Minister of Higher Education Danielle McCann announced on February 4 that post-secondary schools in Quebec red zones can gradually reopen for in-person classes starting on February 8.

A press release from the minister's office says that university, college and CEGEP students will be able to benefit from group sessions and teaching activities "in the presence of others" several times a month, or "ideally" once per week.

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We hope this stage is a first step toward a progressive and safe return to campuses.

Minister Danielle McCann

According to the ministry, classroom occupancy will be capped at 50% for theoretical courses.

There will be no occupancy limit for practical teaching activities, such as laboratories and evaluations, the press release says.

On-campus study groups and group projects can be carried out in groups of six students.

University student services can be offered both on-campus or remotely.

In classrooms, students must respect a 1.5-metre distance when seated. Two-metre social distancing will be strictly enforced for all other study situations, such as small working groups.

In both red and orange-zone post-secondary schools, masks will be mandatory at all times, with some exceptions, like during music courses that require singing and playing instruments, classes that require physical activity, or when students are eating.

Post-secondary schools will be required to put traffic control measures in place at all entrances and exits so as to avoid bottlenecks.

"It's fundamental that [...] students have [minimal] contact to succeed and to be in better mental health," McCann said.

"The series of adjustments we are announcing today will, I hope, allow you to break the isolation, breathe in the fresh air, and have the energy you need to continue or complete your education."