Prime Minister François Legault will announce the first phase of deconfinement for restaurants tomorrow. This long-awaited moment for restaurateurs and their loyal customers has finally arrived! What will happen, exactly, at the time of this announcement?
First, we can expect the authorities to once again separate Quebec into two parts: the regions and Montreal. It is the custom so far, to proceed to the deconfinement of all regions of Quebec and, a week or two later, the metropolitan community of Montreal, where the COVID-19 pandemic is less controlled.
Tourisme Montréal is already making its voice heard and expresses its wish that the government open restaurants across the province at the same time. According to the organization, catering is one of the lungs of tourism in the metropolis and that each passing day is one more day towards the closing of one restaurant in two.
Second, if public health gives its blessing on reopening, it is because it has prompted important health measures. The physical distance of two meters in the dining room must be respected and the waitresses must wear the mask as well as eye protection (glasses or visor) when distance from the customer is not possible.
Also, kitchen workers will have to wear the mask, as is already the case for restaurants still in operation and offering delivery or takeout orders, since physical distance is difficult to manage in this tight space.
Finally, for buffet-style establishments, consumers must be served by employees.
According to what is circulating as information currently, restaurateurs would have the choice of the number of tables available in their dining room and on their terrace.
And you, dear consumers? Will you have to follow certain rules too? Yes of course! As you can imagine, your restaurant evenings will not be the same as before. Upon arrival, you will need to wash your hands and, in the bathroom, only one person at a time will be allowed.
Finally, there will only be ten of you at the same table, and you will have to somehow prove that you come from a maximum of three different addresses.
We remind you that all of this should be confirmed on Monday during the daily press briefing by the Prime Minister, accompanied by public health.
