COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday
CBC
Quebec's Health Ministry does not publish the number of vaccines administered on weekends and public holidays.
As of Monday, some Quebec pharmacies will begin distributing free rapid tests for COVID-19 — but not every pharmacy will have them right away.
The provincial health ministry has said the tests would be rolled out gradually, with about 4.3 million going to pharmacies and two million going to seniors' homes.
The Quebec Order of Pharmacists has said the 1,900 pharmacies set to distribute the tests will be receiving a first box of 108 kits of five tests as of Monday, or Tuesday at the latest.
The order has said pharmacists will be handing out the tests in different ways, with some prioritizing more at-risk clients.
Clients are recommended to call their pharmacy's voicemail to see how they are distributing the tests.
Some pharmacies, including the Jean-Coutu and Brunet chains, will be distributing the tests by appointment only — though both websites crashed early Monday morning.
New government restrictions that aim to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 come into effect today across Quebec.
Restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms, theaters and cinemas will be cutting their capacity by 50 per cent. The ban on dancing and karaoke has been reinstated, barely a month after it was lifted.
In shops and shopping centers, the limit has been set at one customer per 20 square meters of floor space. This measure does not affect personal care establishments such as hairdressers and massage therapists.
Premier François Legault said the government does not want to close schools, so primary schools will reopen after the New Year at the regular date. High schools will shift to remote learning until Jan. 10.
Masks will be again required in primary and high school classrooms and buses.
Private gatherings will be reduced to 10 people inside, 20 outside and it is recommended that people use rapid testing kits before gathering.
As of Monday, people 65 and over will be able to make an appointment for a booster shot, Health Minister Christian Dubé said. People with certain health conditions aged 60 and up will also be eligible.
This story was first published on Oct. 20, 2025.
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