Laval & Outaouais Are Moving To ‘Orange Alert’

Minister Dubé announced the changes in a press conference.
Senior Writer

Health Minister Christian Dubé announced at a press conference Tuesday that two more Quebec regions, Outaouais and Laval, are moving to 'orange alert.'

This is a step up from the regions' previous yellow or 'pre-alert' levels, and is the second major announcement regarding shifting colour codes in the province in the past 48 hours. 

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There are certain regions that are on our radar where there are variations that are very rapid

Christian Dubé, Quebec Health Minister

The government announced September 20 that three Quebec regions — Montreal, Chaudière-Appalaches and parts of the Capitale-Nationale — had also moved to 'orange alert.'

The 'orange alert' designation is part of the provincial government's recently unveiled COVID-19 alert system, which contains four levels: green, yellow, orange, and red. 

Orange comes with stricter regulations and restrictions than yellow, such as bars and restaurants closing by 12 a.m.

They must also stop selling alcohol by 11 p.m. and only allow six people to a table.

Private gatherings in the 'orange zone' are capped at six people or two families.

In the 'orange zone,' the maximum capacity for public gatherings is 25 people — both indoors and outdoors, except in public venues and halls in which case the maximum is 250 people.

Health Minister Christian Dubé, accompanied by National Director of Public Health Dr. Horacio Arruda, also announced today that Centre-du-Québec is moving from green to yellow.

For updates by region, see the government's "Map of COVID-19 alert levels."

  • Ilana Belfer
  • Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

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