Spectators will be able to return to stadiums, arenas, gymnasiums, swimming pools and others to attend youth training from Monday, confirms Public Health.
• Read also: Wearing a mask in sports: not compulsory on the playing surface, both civil and extracurricular
As in cinemas, theaters or performance halls, spectators will be admitted to sports facilities from February 7, confirmed the Public Affairs Department of the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Even if sports training was once more permitted since January 31, neither parents nor accompanying persons had access to the stands or bleachers to watch the prowess of young athletes; they had to content themselves with waiting in the hall or outside, a situation denounced by many.
“Spectators will be allowed from February 7 in cinemas, theaters and performance halls, as well as in stadiums, swimming pools, etc.,” confirmed Public Health in an email. As elsewhere, inside, we will have to respect the rule of 50% of the capacity, with a maximum of 500 spectators.
Public Health specifies that “intermissions are permitted, but spectators must remain seated in their place, except to go to the toilet”.
Distance and mask
In addition, they will have to respect the distance and the wearing of the procedure mask will be required. It will be allowed to remove the mask to eat or drink. As was already the case before the Holidays, the vaccine passport will be required of spectators.
Outside, the capacity increases to 1000 spectators, with distancing. Wearing a face covering is “recommended, but not mandatory”, dictates Public Health.
In response to several questions that The newspaper asked regarding the reasons for the ban on matches, the authorities indicated on Thursday that “it is not the presence of spectators that increases the risk of spread”.
#WeWantToPlay
Many athletes, organizations and federations are still calling for a return to play and competition, through the #OnVeutPlay movement, which continues to grow. Thursday evening and Friday morning, Hockey Québec and Sports Québec added their voice to those of the many sports teams that mobilized on social networks.
