The Premier of Quebec, François Legault, announced Thursday that he was canceling his decision to allow Quebecers to gather for four days at Christmas, citing the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases in this Canadian province.
"
When we look at the situation, we are forced to face the facts: it is not realistic to think that we will succeed in reducing the progression of the virus satisfactorily by Christmas,
" he said justified at a press conference.
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Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister had offered a "
moral contract
" to Quebecers: it allowed gatherings of up to ten people at Christmas but, in exchange, the latter limited contact a week before and after this holiday.
Everything was however conditioned so that the health situation does not deteriorate.
However, the situation is worsening with "
a sharp increase
" in cases in almost all regions of Quebec, around 1,500 each day, said Mr. Legault.
“
At this rate, some hospitals will start to overflow during the holidays.
The capacity of the health system is not infinite,
”he said.
"
We have tired, very tired staff,
" he said.
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Quebec, the province most affected by the pandemic, reported Thursday of 30 new deaths, for a total of 7155. The cancellation of the gatherings concerns regions in the "
red zone
", such as Montreal or Quebec, where 80 live % of 8 million Quebecers.
“
At the time, we sincerely thought that it was possible for the situation to improve,
” said Mr. Legault.
Since the beginning of October, Quebeckers living in the "
red zone
" have not been able to receive anyone in their homes and bars, restaurants, cinemas or museums were closed until January 11.
The situation remains "
very worrying
" across Canada, which has recorded more than 6,000 new cases per day and nearly 100 daily deaths for a week, said Public Health of Canada.