The joy did not last long: the Canadian provinces are once again in lockdown
Already three provinces have imposed severe restrictions amid a spike in COVID-19 cases.
No sooner had provincial governments in Canada begun to lift restrictions than COVID-19 infections spiked across the country and there was alarming speculation that a third wave had begun. Some provinces are returning to lockdowns.
On March 29, restrictions were imposed in British Columbia. They will last until at least April 19. Cafes and restaurants in the province can now only operate takeout (but are allowed on outdoor porches with family members), indoor gatherings, including group sports and religious services, are prohibited, and schools recommend that even junior high school students wear masks. Before the lockdown, the province recorded a record 936 cases in a 24-hour period since the second wave began.
The next province was Quebec, but there the total lockdown has so far affected only three cities: Quebec City, Levy and Gatineau. Provincial authorities believe the upsurge of disease in those areas is the result of residents not complying with quarantine measures. The lockdown was imposed April 1 and will last until at least April 12. Quebec cities are less fortunate than B.C. because they are closing everything but essential facilities and imposing a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. School children are going back to distance learning. Kindergartens will remain open, but authorities are recommending that children be left at home. Restrictions have been tightened in some cities across the province and authorities say other cities could also face lockdown if the infestation situation begins to spiral out of control.
On April 3, restrictions will apply to Ontario — for at least 4 weeks. This province is not as strict as Quebec, but cafes and restaurants (including porches) will be closed and open for take-out. Indoor gatherings will be prohibited, except for weddings, funerals and religious services — at these events, the premises must be no more than 15% of capacity. Amusement parks, museums, zoos and cultural facilities will be closed. Grocery stores and supermarkets will be limited to 50% of capacity and convenience stores to 25% of capacity. On April 12, hairdressers and beauty salons were supposed to open in Ontario, but due to the new restrictions, that will not happen. Schools in the province will remain open for now because vacation begins on April 12, but whether students will then return to their desks is a question.
The start of the third wave of COVID-19 in Canada was first talked about in the province of Ontario back in mid-March.
