Gatineau police issue 21 tickets linked to 1st night of Quebec curfew

Saturday evening marked the start of Quebec's curfew, with police in Gatineau, Que., issuing 21 tickets for contravening the new restrictions.

Another four tickets were issued due to an illegal gathering, police said, while 19 warnings were handed out.

Under the strict new measures, people found outside in public between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. could face fines ranging from$1,000 to $6,000.

There are certain exceptions, including for essential workers and for humanitarian reasons. All non-essential businesses will be closed during the curfew, except for deliveries and curbside pickup.

• What you need to know about Quebec's new lockdown measures

• Quebecers mostly compliant on first night of COVID-19 curfew

In his Wednesday announcement, Premier Franois Legaultcalled the strict new measures slated to remain in place until Feb. 8 "shock therapy," saying thehealth-care network is at risk of being overwhelmed as COVID-19 spreads in the province.

"It's unfortunate, but we've got to do what we've got to do to stay safe," said Pat Bones, who was enjoying a last-minute skate Saturday in Gatineau's Central Park.

"If this means that when the summertime comes around we can go on patios again and have somewhat of a social life, then you know, I'm doing it," he told Radio-Canada.

Ottawa approaching grey territory

Western Quebec reported 75cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. In total, the region has reported 5,294cases and 133 deaths.

In Ottawa, meanwhile, Dr. Vera Etches warned the nation's capital had rapidly found itself deep in the red zone, even approaching "grey" territory where maximum lockdown measures are enforced.

"If we do not reduce the number of close contacts that enable COVID-19 transmission, our hospitals will not be able to maintain services, and the number of deaths will increase," the city's medical officer of health wrote on Twitter Saturday.

"This is a collective task, one where we need to support, not blame each other through this darkest time."

Peaceful protest

Despite the recent spike in COVID-19 cases across Ottawa-Gatineau,noteveryone was so willing to accept the new curfew restrictions.

Approximately 20 people held a peaceful demonstration in the parking lot of a Gatineau shopping mallSaturday night.

"I think the problem with health care right now is not COVID, it's the fact that there is a lack of employees. There is widespread fear," said protesterSoleil Larose-Labellein a French-language interview with Radio-Canada.

"I'm not going to obey the unjust rules ... that's my belief and I'mdoing what I think is right," added Shane Miller, another participant,in English.