Quebec police ready to nab curfew violators as province kicks off 4-week lockdown.
Montreal police prepare for 'rigorous application' of public health measures, establishing curfew unit
Smartphones across Quebec are going to buzz today with an emergency alert like no other: Be inside by 8 p.m., or face a fine.
In an open letter posted to Facebook on Saturday morning, the province's premier said imposing an overnight curfew was a difficult, but necessary decision in order to limit the chances of Quebecers gathering illegally.
"The main reason for the curfew is to prevent gatherings, even the smallest ones," wrote François Legault. "It's the addition of all the small breaches of the rules that feeds the virus."
Police services across the province have been in discussions with the Public Security ministry, Quebec prosecutors and municipal officials since Wednesday's announcement.
They have been planning out how the new, extraordinary rule will be enforced as police will have the power to stop and question anybody outdoors between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
"The police will also be very visible this weekend," the province's Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault said in a tweet Friday. "Let's stay at home, save lives."
Those without a valid reason to be out between those hours could face fines of $1,000 to $6,000.