Quebec and Sask. Announce Lifting of Most COVID Measures

Quebec Premier François Legault outlined Tuesday the province’s plan for reopening in the wake of the Omicron-driven fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, following on the heels of a similar announcement by Sask. Premier Scott Moe.

Starting Feb. 12, the province will remove its cap on private gatherings and restaurants will be allowed to seat tables of 10 people, or “three bubbles.” More restrictions will lift on Feb. 14, 21 and 28, he said, with “almost all restrictions” lifted as of March 14.

“We’re going to have to learn to live with the virus,” Legault said.

“How many people am I with, how many have three doses, how many are above 60 years old?” he added about questions people should be asking themselves.

It will be up to people to decide how many people they want in their own homes.

Legault stated that the best way to learn to live with the virus was by getting their three shots of a vaccine.

He also said his government isn’t ready to lift mask mandates or end the vaccine passport system, both of which will remain until at least March 14 before being re-evaluated.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan will end its vaccine passport policy on Monday, Feb. 14.

That means businesses, workplaces and other public venues will no longer be mandated by the province to require proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Currently, all Saskatchewan residents must show proof that they have received two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter restaurants, bars and many other businesses. They also have the option to provide a negative COVID-19 test.

Those requirements will be removed Monday. "We want things to be as normal as they can," Premier Scott Moe said this week.