As of Monday, the Quebec government will allow public gatherings of up to 250 people.
The province announced the rule change on July 23 , increasing the limit from the previous 50-person maximum.
The new limit applies to performance halls, theatres, and cinemas across Quebec, as well as amateur sporting events, places of worship and community halls.
Some have questioned the decision, including a group of Montreal physicians that warned larger gatherings could lead to more outbreaks in the weeks before schools reopen.
On the eve of the rule change, the Montreal Gazette spoke with Montrealers shopping at the Atwater Market to gather their opinions on the issue.
Here are some of their reactions:
Jacqueline Gravel, 63
“If it’s for receptions like weddings or big anniversaries, then yes, no problem,” Gravel said. “But if it’s only for (normal) gatherings, I think it’s too much. Really too much.
“Because people will think, ‘OK, it’s fine,’ and then go crazy. It won’t be worth it.”
Gravel said she feels for people who have missed big life events during the pandemic, noting some families have been waiting to celebrate milestones or anniversaries since March.
“If I’m invited to a big ceremony that’s worth it, then yes I would go,” she said. “But I would make sure to keep my distance and make sure everything is clean.”
Steven Fagan, 71
“I think it’s the wrong choice. Actually, I think it’s insane,” said Fagan. “I mean, 250 people. How do you control their distancing from each other? You would probably need a football field in order to distance properly.”
“It’s cuckoo. It doesn’t make sense to me,” Fagan added. “We’re walking around with masks for five months, do we want to be potentially walking around with masks for another year and a half? I don’t know. They shouldn’t allow it.”
Overall, Fagan praised the Quebec government and Premier François Legault’s handling of the pandemic so far, but added: “I just think this particular item is stupid.”
David Searle, 31
“I think it’s probably fine if the measures are being respected and if people are wearing masks and keeping their distances,” Searle said. “I’m not too concerned.”
Searle said he hasn’t been to any large gatherings yet, but would now be comfortable attending a venue with 250 people.
“You go outside in the city and it’s pretty busy,” he said. “I’m looking forward to hearing about the Orchestre Métropolitain’s program that’s coming out. I’m excited about that.”
Sophie, 36
“It’s hard to believe. Obviously, it’s so strict right now, we have to wear a mask to be anywhere,” she said. “With 200 people, you don’t know where they’re from, what they did before or if they were cautious or not.
“They’ve made such a big mess with daycares and schools, and now you can have 200 people gather?” she said. “I really don’t feel comfortable with that, to be honest.”
“It’s contradictory,” she added. “It’s too big a step at one time. Going step by step would have been easier, I think.”
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