COVID-19 in Quebec: Reopening Timeline and Safety Advice


As the province reopens, Quebec Premier François Legault is forced to make difficult decisions for the good of the population. While the curve in the region as a whole is beginning to flatten, the infection rate in Montreal seems to have momentarily plateaued but may continue to rise.


Quebec's Reopening Timeline

The following is a tentative list of opening dates for both Quebec and the city of Montreal.


·         Elementary Schools:  May 11th

·         Retail Stores With Direct Street Access:  May 4th


Within Montreal:

·         Elementary Schools:  September 

·         Day Cares June 1st 

·         Retail Stores With Direct Street Access:  May 18th**

**Some Montreal retail stores are set to open on May 25th.


·         Construction Work:  May 11th

·         Factory Work:  May 11th

Initially, Montreal elementary schools were set to open on May 19th, but this date has been pushed back to May 25th. Montreal retail stores with street access were originally slated to open on May 11th, but this date has also been delayed, with a new projected opening date of May 18th. 

With this in mind, it is reasonable to believe that these reopening dates are subject to change. Also note that while stores are legally allowed to reopen, they may not choose to do so immediately.

STM Updates

In a live CBC interview conducted on May 8th, STM Chair Philippe Schnobb released the following information regarding STM activity:

·         A large volume of masks has been ordered for STM operators, which are expected to be deployed by the end of May.

·         Glass barriers will be implemented to act as a safety precaution for bus drivers. 

·         As buses implement these barriers, commuters will be able to board via the front door and pay for their transport. 

·         STM service is currently operating at 80% of its usual schedule, despite transporting 10% of the regular commuters.

·         The increased frequency of bus and metro sterilization is set to continue as stores and schools reopen.

·         There is no current indication that public transit has increased the spread of COVID-19.

·         Riders are encouraged to use face masks while on public transit, as the two-meter distance may not be reasonable to maintain with the reopening of schools and retail locations.

The STM is hoping that employers will assist in promoting the safety of public transportation by encouraging clean work environments, providing flexible work hours, and allowing employees to work from home when possible.

Reopening Safety Advice

The best piece of advice as Quebec reopens is to continue to uphold the current safety standards.

Dr. Mylène Drouin, the Public Health Director of Montreal, stated in April that "We are not lowering the epidemic curve," in the Montreal area. "We can see a plateau and even an increase in cases." In this shifting landscape, it is essential to realize that caution is still needed even as we begin to move towards remobilizing the province.

 1) Maintain Social Distancing

Step out of the way for others on the street, allow for greater distances when waiting in line, and avoid using public transportation during peak hours when possible.  Even though stores are reopening, it is best to realize that this is a period of testing to see if we can effectively operate during this stage of the pandemic. These reopening dates could potentially cause another spike in the infection rate, meaning that social distancing is still crucial.

 2) Wear a Mask

While masks can be useful in preventing the spread of contagious disease, they are especially important when we are unable to stand apart at the appropriate distance.  Have a couple of masks on hand for whenever you are traveling or shopping.

 3) Choose Nourishing Foods

Promoting health truly begins with our food choices—select whole foods where possible. With a little research, you will quickly discover that nearly all fruits and vegetables have anti-viral properties, and the others will likely support the immune system by delivering vital nutrients to your body.

Make sure to have a few comfort foods at home as well, but moderation could make a significant impact on your physiological response to viral infections. Note that healthy eating during the pandemic also requires you to shop smart. Commit to purchasing a product before touching it when shopping and appropriately disinfect your groceries before eating.

 4) Maintain Healthy Exercise

Engage in healthy exercise, particularly mindful movement practices such as Yoga and QiGong. These practices will care for the mind as well as the body. Ultimately, choose the activities that you enjoy, so that you can stick to a routine. 

Arco Iris is now hosting a variety of Free Online Classes, including practices such as Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, and Reiki & Shamanic Healing. Learn more about these FREE Online classes.

5) Implement Effective Hygiene

By now, you know that you should be washing your hands every time you come back to the house and before you touch your face. As the virus is likely to cause infection via entering the nose or mouth, it is also recommended to wash your face regularly.

Wearing a mask would also be considered effective hygiene if you often come within two meters of individuals with whom you are not sharing a home. Washing your clothes more frequently is a recommended preventative step.

6) Care for the Mind

This step can't be underestimated. Engage in mindful practice such as walking, meditation, time in nature, creative activities - whatever helps you reach that flow state. Some models of human health indicate that low emotional states can act as disruptors to the immune system. This means that we need to do everything we can to encourage healthy emotional regulation, and a balanced amount of positivity and realism, as opposed to anxiety and worry.

Final Thoughts

Arco Iris has dedicated 20 years to helping individuals with their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and we are here for you during the pandemic. We chose to lay out all of this information so that you can navigate the upcoming changes in Quebec, and make the most practical decisions for your health. 

No matter where you live, we encourage you to engage in our
Free Online Community Classes (Meditation, Shamanic Healing, Yoga, and More!)   We are available for private online sessions for Distance ReikiEnergy, Shamanic Healing , Oracle Card Reading Healing and Rites of Passage.

These sessions can be a game-changer for your mental and physical wellbeing while you wait through the mandatory isolation period and deal with the natural worries that come along with the pandemic. You don't have to be alone in this. Our expert staff is here to help you establish confidence, peace, and holistic wellbeing. 

Discover your full potential and utilize this time for your highest good. Join our online Rainbow Collective community, or book your remote session today!




You can reach us at 514-812-9092




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