Your questions answered about the restrictions in Quebec's red zones

Several regions in Quebec are now at the maximum alert level under the COVID-19 alert system.

That means a number of new restrictions are in place in an attempt to curtail the spread of the virus.

Here's what you can and cannot do now in the red zones. 

Which regions are now red zones?

About 75% of Quebecers now live in red zones, which include Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Quebec City, Trois-Rivières and Drummondville. You can consult the government's map for the latest areas added to the red zone.

What businesses are closed?

Until at least Oct. 28, bars, museums, casinos and cinemas are closed and restaurants will only be allowed to serve takeout. Other businesses, including salons and shopping malls, can stay open.

People can still borrow books from libraries, but there will be no events.

Will schools close?

The province has said it will not close schools even when a region is designated to be at the highest alert level.

There will, however, be special restrictions in place for schools. Masks will now be mandatory in the classroom for all high school students. 

Students in Grade 10 and 11 will also pivot to a hybrid form of schooling, where they will be physically in school only one out of every two days to reduce class sizes. Online learning will be provided on the other days. 

All intramural sports, competitions between schools and school outings will be prohibited in red zones, but gym classes and in-school sports will be allowed on the condition that all students remain within the same groups as they do for their classes. 

Can I still go the gym, my local pool or the hockey rink?

No. All gyms and indoor sports facilities will be shut down from Oct. 8 until at least Oct. 28. Organized recreational activities, such as yoga and aerobics, will also be prohibited.

Can I still see my friends and family?

Social gatherings are permitted only with those in your household, with some exceptions made, including for those who require special care and for those who live alone.

All gatherings are banned in red zones, except for funerals and religious services, where a maximum of 25 people can attend.

Can I meet friends outside?

Organized outdoor gatherings, like barbecues, are banned in red zones.

Outdoor meetings in public places, such as parks, are permitted as long as people stay two metres apart.

But even though they are permitted, the government does not recommend spending leisure time with anyone outside your family bubble, regardless of whether you're indoors or outdoors.

Physical distancing measures must be enforced and masks must be worn when people are outdoors together, for example, for a protest.

Montreal police will be visiting parks to make sure people are not gathering. 

Who can come to my home?

People providing service or support, like private teachers, caregivers, babysitters and tradespeople can come into your home.

Will I get fined if I break any of these rules?

Yes. The standard fine is $1,000 per person, plus $546 in service charges, for a total of $1,546.

Can I go from region to region?

You can travel, but the government is discouraging it. You cannot, however, go to a restaurant or store outside your region. So, if you are going to the country for a weekend, you need to make sure you have all your provisions before leaving your zone.

My boyfriend/girlfriend lives at another address, can we still see each other?

Yes, you can still visit each other.