Quebec relaxes rules around physical distancing at daycares

Quebecpublic health is getting rid of physical distancing rules at daycares between children in the same group.

The changes take effect on Monday.

The groups can be a maximum of 10 children.Their teacher also won't have to stay two metres away, butother adults who work at the same daycare must keep their distance, andpersonal protective equipment, like masks and visors, must always be worn.

Basic sanitary rules, such as frequent hand-washing, disinfecting, and coughing into the elbow willhave to be observed.

Children will also be able to use items that are difficult to disinfect, like teddy bears, scissors, and books, according to Radio-Canada.

These rules will apply everywhere in Quebec, including the greater Montreal area, Joliette, andL'piphanie.

Earlier this week, the province announced other changes to physical-distancing rules, including that children under16 can be closer together only one metre apart instead of two.

Return to normal capacity

Family Minister MathieuLacombe confirmed that as of Monday, daycares outside the greater Montreal area, Joliette, andL'piphanie will be able to return to maximum capacity.

The target date for daycares in Montreal, Joliette, andL'piphanie to normal capacity is July13, he said.

When daycares in Quebec opened, onJune 1 in Montreal and May 11 elsewhere in the province, they were only allowed to operate at half capacity.