Legault confirms “divisive” anti-vax tax is scrapped, gyms & spas to reopen Feb. 14

In an ongoing press conference this afternoon (see the embed below), Quebec Premier François Legault confirmed this morning’s reports that gyms across the province will be permitted to reopen as of Feb. 14, as will spas. Legault announced that, as also reported earlier today, the province is scaling back on the anti-vax tax concept, introduced on Jan. 11, because the measure was too divisive.

Legault acknowledged that he made the decision to scrap the healthcare contribution for the unvaccinated partly in light of the anger over restrictions and mandate on social media and within the trucker convoy protest movement that spawned the demonstration and occupation in Ottawa this week. He also mentioned that a major protest is planned in Quebec City in the coming days.

Also announced today as part of the easing of restrictions, sports and “artistic activities” for adults will be permitted to take place as of Feb. 14, with a maximum of 25 people.

While Quebec restaurants reopened yesterday and cinemas, performance halls and places of worship will be permitted to reopen on Feb. 7, bars, nightclubs and most small music venues remain closed.

On fait le point sur l'évolution de la COVID-19 au Québec.

Pour tous les détails, suivez notre conférence de presse en direct???? https://t.co/gpn5VqBZqa

— François Legault (@francoislegault) February 1, 2022

This article was originally published at 1:18 p.m. and updated at 1:35 p.m.

For more on COVID-19 in Quebec, please click here.

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