Premier François Legault announced that while the Bill was prepared and ready to be tabled, his government decided not to implement the proposed taxing of unvaccinated people.

Amid the growing discontent with restrictions, it was a . . .

decision made to protect social harmony, according to Legault.

“Freedom is a fundamental right. It is also a question of solidarity when hospitalizations due to COVID are taking up the space that people waiting for surgery could occupy,” Legault said.

Pontiac vaccination rate among lowest

Meanwhile, Pontiac Warden Jane Toller stated that the Pontiac has the lowest rate of vaccination in the Outaouais, especially for the 25 to 34 age group.

Toller attributes this in part to the fact that there is only one designated vaccination clinic for this vast territory and is working with CISSSO to organize more mobile clinics in several municipalities, because she believes it would be beneficial.

Restrictions eased as of Feb. 14

Sports activities with groups of up to 25 people are now allowed. However, matches, competitions and tournaments are still restricted.

Gyms, spas, interior golf and rock climbing centres can now operate at 50 percent capacity, though wearing masks and social distancing measures must still be respected.

Cultural and artistic activities with a maximum of 25 people can also resume.

Pontiac walk-in clinic

First, second and third doses for children five and up are currently available as follows:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 pm. at the Campbell’s Bay RA Centre

As of Feb 4, CISSSO listed the following statistics for the Pontiac area:

Alleyn-et-Cawood: 8 (+3)

Bristol: 18 (+1)

Bryson: 33 (no increase)

Campbell’s Bay: 37 (+3)

Chichester: 25 (+8)

Clarendon: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Fort-Coulonge: 125 (+8)

Île-du-Grand-Calumet: 18(+2)

L’Îsles-aux-Allumettes: 38 (+7)

Litchfield: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Mansfield et Pontefract: 203 (+13)

Otter Lake: 39 (+3)

Portage-du-Fort: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Rapide-des-Joachims 5 or fewer (no increase)

Shawville: 103 (+9)

Sheenboro: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Thorne: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Waltham: 20 (+2)

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