Q Does the curfew apply in regions that aren't COVID-19 red zones?

AYes. The COVID-19 situation is critical in most places across the province, Legault said. The only exception is Northern Quebec, specifically the Cree Territory of James Bay and Nunavik.

Q

What happens if I break curfew?

AThose who break curfew without a valid reason risk a fine of $1,000 to $6,000 for adults and $500 for youths 14 and older. Deputy premier and Public Safety Minister Geneviève Guilbault met with police forces on Friday to discuss guidelines around ticketing.

Q

What are valid reasons to break curfew?

AExceptions for curfew are constantly evolving, but here's what the government has said as of Friday afternoon:

Work: Essential workers are allowed to go to and from work. Employers are being asked to provide their employees with documentation for proof. A form (French only) is available under the “Curfew” heading on Quebec.ca.

Home: People are allowed outside past curfew on their own properties, and dog owners can take their dogs for a walk within a one-kilometre radius of their homes. Medical/humanitarian: Curfew can also be broken for medical and humanitarian purposes. Some examples include going to and from medical appointments for both yourself or a person who is unable to drive, to pick up medication following an appointment, to visit a sick or injured parent, or to bring someone to the hospital.

Lifts: Driving someone to work because they are unable to drive themselves should be fine as well. Police officers have been asked to act diligently, the government said.

Custody: Parents who share custody are allowed to break curfew to drop their children off at each other's houses.

School: Students who have to travel to and from mandatory in-person classes or labs during curfew are allowed to do so. Airport: Those who have to travel outside Canada for work are allowed to go to and from the airport during curfew. They are being asked to show police their airline ticket if they are stopped.

Safety: People who find themselves in dangerous situations at home are encouraged to leave despite the curfew.

There are a few grey areas, but the government said the rule is to stay home unless there's an essential reason to leave. When possible, Guilbault suggested people carry proof that they are breaking curfew for a valid reason.

Q

What is open and closed during the lockdown?

ANon-essential businesses that have been closed during Quebec's holiday lockdown remain closed. Curbside pickup is allowed for businesses that offer it.

Stores: Grocery stores and dépanneurs will close at 7:30 p.m. to allow people to get home before curfew. Exceptions include pharmacies, dépanneurs connected to gas stations and restaurants for delivery orders only. Transit: Public transit is still operational. The Société de transport de Montréal said its bus, metro and paratransit services will remain the same during the lockdown. Appointments: Medical appointments aren't affected by the lockdown.

Places of worship: Though open during the initial holiday lockdown, places of worship are closed. Funerals are permitted for up to 25 people, but a record of attendance must be kept and food/alcohol can't be served. Hotels: Hotels and Airbnb properties remain open, but people are being asked only to use them if absolutely necessary. Sports: Indoor sports aren't allowed, other than for classes and programs in schools, the training of some athletes, and professional sports teams that have received permission from public health, like the Montreal Canadiens. Ski resorts are allowed to stay open, but can't offer night skiing until the lockdown ends because of curfew. Manufacturing/construction: Manufacturing and construction activities, which were already reduced to a minimum, remain that way. Companies can complete commitments made prior to the lockdown. Offices: Offices remain closed during lockdown except for people whose presence is necessary to complete their work, at the employer's discretion.

Film production: Filming is allowed to continue for films and television series during the lockdown, because they follow strict public health guidelines, Legault said. Organizations: Community organizations remain open.

Q

What about schools?

AStudents in elementary school will return to class Jan. 11, but will have to wear masks in common areas (except preschoolers). Students in Grades 5 and 6 will have to wear masks at all times.

High school students will stay home for one more week and take part in online classes. They will return to class Jan. 18.

The provincial government will supply high school students and teachers with two procedural masks per day. Daycare services remain open. Students in adult education will return to class on Jan. 18 and will need to wear a mask at all times on school grounds.

University students will continue distanced learning, but some in-person activities will be allowed when necessary.

As of Jan. 11, students will be allowed to study at municipal libraries, which were initially only open for book borrowing. This is an effort to make sure everyone has access to high-speed internet, Legault said.

Q

What does this mean for gatherings?

APeople who live alone can't gather with a family bubble anymore, but they're allowed to receive one visitor in their home. The government is asking for the visitor to be the same person each time to limit contacts, but public health said visitors can vary as long as the host doesn't see more than one per day.

That person can be a friend/family member, an informal caregiver, or a person offering support or services, including someone scheduled to do work in the home. It doesn't matter whether the visitor is someone who lives alone.

Legault is recommending people who are more at risk, such as those 65 and older, to limit contacts as much as possible.

Parents who share custody are allowed to send their children back and forth.

Residents at long-term care homes (CHSLDS) and private seniors' residences are allowed visits for humanitarian purposes, as well as visits by informal caregivers, but only one per day. They are being asked to identify two caregivers total during the lockdown. Details for both CHSLDS and private homes can be found at Quebec.ca.

Q What about outdoor gatherings/activities?

AOutdoor activities (sports and leisure) are allowed, but people have to remain in their family bubble and respect public health guidelines. A person who lives alone is allowed to go on physically distanced walks with another person.

Skidoo trails remain open outside of curfew.

Protests can take place, but participants must wear masks.

Q

Can I travel to other Quebec regions?

ATravel between regions isn't recommended (other than for work, school or shared custody), but people who want to travel for outdoor activities such as skiing can do so, as long as they remain in their family bubble and respect public health guidelines. People may also book cottages with their family bubble, but are asked to limit travel as much as possible.

Q How does curfew affect homeless people?

ALegault said he hopes homeless people will be inside during curfew at one of the shelters in the city. On Thursday, Guilbault added that homeless people will probably not be ticketed for breaking curfew. “Our first goal is to help those people find a place in a shelter. We will be tolerant because we don't want to give fines to those people just to give fines.”