Gatineau, parts of Outaouais move to COVID-19 'red zone' on Sunday

OTTAWA — The City of Gatineau and parts of the Outaouais are moving into the "red zone" under Quebec's COVID-19 guidelines.

A press release from Outaouais public health agency, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais (CISSSO), made the announcement on Saturday.

"The CISSS de l'Outaouais confirms today that the city of Gatineau and the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais is now going to the maximum red level. The significant increase in cases of COVID-19 in recent days and weeks in connection with a growing number of outbreaks in the Outaouais justified this level change," the press release said in French.

Other affected municipalities include:

"For these sectors, it is now not recommended to make non-essential trips between red, orange or yellow areas and outside of Quebec. Most of the other measures will come into effect on Sunday, Oct. 11, so starting tonight at 12:01 a.m., such as the closing of bars, theaters, restaurants, except for deliveries, take-out or drive-thru, and other places concerned. However, certain measures, in particular those concerning schools and sports, will come into effect on Thursday, Oct. 15," the statement said.

Those who have symptoms or concerns about COVID-19 are asked to first complete the online symptom self-assessment tool and, if necessary, contact the dedicated information line at 1-877-644-4545.

Here are measures coming into force in the following days:

Private residences

Prohibited

Allowed

Long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other seniors' residences

Allowed

Preschools and elementary schools

Secondary schools

Adult general education and vocational training

Higher education

Sports and recreation

Public gatherings

Prohibited

Allowed

Private gatherings

Inter-regional travel

Closures

Remaining open