Here’s how COVID-19 rules differ in Ottawa and Gatineau
Authorities in Quebec and Ontario have both instituted a fresh round of public health restrictions due to the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
For residents of Ottawa and Gatineau, that means things look a little different on the other side of the river.
Here is a breakdown of the restrictions on each side of the river.
CURFEW
The main difference in restrictions on the Ottawa and Gatineau sides of the river: Quebec’s curfew.
Quebec has a curfew in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. It came into effect on Dec. 31 and violators can face fines of up to $6,000.
Ontario has no curfew.
GATHERINGS
In Ottawa, social gatherings are limited to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors.
In Gatineau, gatherings in homes are prohibited except for single people who can join another family bubble.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Indoor dining is not allowed in Ontario or Quebec. Restaurants in both provinces may remain open for takeout and delivery.
In Ontario, outdoor dining is allowed with restrictions.
WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES
In Ontario, crowds at indoor weddings, funerals and religious services will be limited to 50 per cent capacity. Outdoor services are limited to the number of people that can maintain two metres of physical distance.
In Quebec, places of worship must close other than for funerals with a maximum of 25 people.
Outdoor weddings are allowed outside with a 250-person maximum.
STORES
In Ontario, retail stores including shopping malls can stay open at 50 per cent capacity.
In Quebec, stores are limited to 50 per cent capacity. On Sundays, all non-essential businesses must close, including grocery stores.
Gas stations, depanneurs and pharmacies can remain open.
GYMS AND SPORTS
Indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms, are closed in both provinces.
In Ontario, there’s an exception for athletes training for the Olympics and Paralympics and select professional and elite amateur sport leagues.
Outdoor facilities will be permitted to operate but with the number of spectators not to exceed 50 per cent occupancy and other requirements.
In Quebec, indoors sports are only permitted for a single person, two people or the occupants of one household.
A full list of Quebec restrictions can be found here. A full list of Ontario restrictions can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in "all public spaces," marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.