Marking the national day of remembrance for the victims of COVID-19 Premier François Legault wrote an open letter to the Montreal Gazette highlighting the actions taken by his government during the last two years and the lives lost during this time.

“We did what we had to do to save as many lives as possible. I remember that Quebecers immediately grasped the seriousness of the situation and that Quebec reacted admirably in the face of danger.”

He acknowledged the efforts by the health care system by saying, “our health-care workers stepped up to care for the sick and displayed immense courage. They fully deserve our recognition.”

Legault pointed out that this day is dedicated to the memories of all the people who lost their lives to the virus. “March 11 reminds me of the strength of our people and of the enormous sacrifices that we have had to make. It also brings to mind all those who left us too soon,” he said in his open letter.

As of March 12 most restrictions were lifted in Quebec, except for the mask mandates.

Which means that:

• Vaccine passports will no longer be required,

except for international travel and places

and activities regulated by federal author

ties.

• No capacity limits at bars, restaurants, gyms

or the Bell Centre.

• Normal business hours resume for bars and

restaurants.

• Dancing and karaoke are permitted.

As for masks, Quebec has already lifted the requirement that elementary and high school students wear them in classrooms.

The province says that “no later than mid-April,” the obligation to wear a mask will be dropped for all spaces except public transit which is expected to be lifted as early as May.

Although the vaccination passport is no longer required in Quebec, it remains mandatory for travel on rail and air transport and when traveling abroad, according to federal government requirements.

As of March 15, CISSSO listed the following statistics for the Pontiac area:

Alleyn-et-Cawood: 9 (no increase)

Bristol: 24 (+4)

Bryson: 36 (no increase)

Campbell’s Bay: 42 (+2)

Chichester: 32 (no increase)

Clarendon: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Fort-Coulonge: 141 (+2)

Île-du-Grand-Calumet: 20 (+2)

L’Îsles-aux-Allumettes: 40 (no increase)

Litchfield: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Mansfield and Pontefract: 220 (+3)

Otter Lake: 43 (no increase)

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

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

Shawville: 125 (+4)

Sheenboro: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Thorne: 5 or fewer (no increase)

Waltham: 20 (no increase)

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