Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec

Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec

The timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec details the sequence of events and measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Quebec, Canada. The pandemic has had significant impacts on public health, the economy, and daily life in Quebec.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The virus spread rapidly across the globe, leading to widespread illness and prompting governments to implement various public health measures to control its spread.

Timeline

2020

January

• January 27: Quebec's Ministry of Health and Social Services begins monitoring the situation closely as the first cases of COVID-19 are reported in Canada.

February

• February 28: Quebec confirms its first presumptive case of COVID-19 in a woman who had returned from Iran.

March

• March 12: The Quebec government announces the closure of schools, universities, and daycare centers for two weeks.
• March 13: A public health emergency is declared in Quebec, granting the government special powers to deal with the crisis.
• March 23: Non-essential businesses are ordered to close.

COVID-19 testing clinic at Place des Arts, Montreal

April

• April 1: The government extends the closure of schools and non-essential businesses until May.
• April 27: Quebec announces a gradual reopening plan, starting with certain regions and sectors.

May

• May 11: Elementary schools outside the Montreal area reopen with strict health measures.

June

• June 25: The government allows indoor gatherings of up to 50 people.

Pharmacy guidelines during COVID-19

2021

January

• January 9: A province-wide curfew is implemented, requiring residents to stay indoors from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Curfew in Montreal, 2021

March

• March 15: Vaccination efforts ramp up as more doses become available.

April

• April 8: Quebec enters a third wave of COVID-19, leading to renewed restrictions in certain areas.

June

• June 25: Restrictions begin to ease as vaccination rates increase and case numbers decline.

Social distancing measures on Wellington Street

2022

January

• January 1: Quebec faces a surge in cases due to the Omicron variant, leading to the reintroduction of some restrictions.

March

• March 12: The government announces plans to lift most public health measures by mid-March.

May

• May 14: Mask mandates are lifted in most indoor settings.

Maisonneuve Park during the pandemic

Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Quebec's healthcare system, economy, and society. Hospitals faced significant strain, particularly during the peaks of the pandemic. The economic impact was severe, with many businesses closing temporarily or permanently. Socially, the pandemic affected mental health and community dynamics.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in Canada
• Public health emergency
• Vaccination in Canada