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.
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:
·
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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