Cinemas, concerts, sports venues to reopen in Quebec as restrictions ease

MONTREAL — Venues across Quebec’s cultural sector are set to partially reopen today as the province eases health restrictions put in place to contain COVID-19.

Places of worship, entertainment and sports venues are allowed to reopen after being shut down since December, with capacity limits in place and proof of vaccination required for entry.

Cinemas, theatres, concert halls and sports venues such as the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens, can reopen at 50 per cent capacity or a maximum of 500 people.

The cap on vaccinated people allowed inside places of worship is set at 250.

Outdoor events can also resume with a limit of 1,000 attendees.

The second phase of the province’s reopening plan takes effect amid an ongoing decline in hospitalizations across Quebec.

The first phase began last week when restaurant dining rooms reopened to patrons and school sports were allowed to resume.

The next phase will see restrictions lift for all indoor sports, gyms and spas as of Feb. 14, while bars and casinos will remain closed until further notice.