COVID-19: What you need know as Quebec lifts vaccine passport system, other measures

Among other measures, capacity limits at restaurants, bars and sports venues will be lifted across the province starting Saturday.

Quebec’s proof-of-vaccination system comes to an official end on Saturday as the province continues to relax COVID-19 restrictions.

The vaccine passport, which came into effect last September, has been gradually phased out over the past weeks. It was required to enter restaurants, gyms and bars, among other establishments.

Health Minister Christian Dubé announced earlier this month that the government bumped up the timeline to eliminate the passport system by two days following discussions with public health officials.

Among other measures, capacity limits at restaurants, bars and sports venues will be lifted as of Saturday.

This means establishments like the Bell Centre can welcome back fans at pre-pandemic levels. There is still a mask mandate in effect at the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens, which means face coverings are obligatory at all times for ticketholders when they are not eating or drinking.

Meanwhile, restaurants and bars can resume their regular business hours (but must respect daylight time changes).

Dance and karaoke activities are also permitted to start up again starting Saturday.

Quebec has also changed the health rules for those who come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.