Quebec not allowing spectators at sports events due to COVID

An empty Bell Centre is shown in Montreal, Thursday, December 16, 2021, ahead of an NHL hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers. (Graham Hughes/CP)

Quebec will not allow spectators to attend sports events starting on Monday night because of the current COVID-19 surge.

The move was one of several announced by the Quebec government after a pandemic record 4,571 cases were reported in the province on Monday.

The announcement was made with the Montreal Canadiens already shut down through Christmas. The Canadiens' next home game isn't until Jan. 4.

The Canadiens already played one game without fans last Thursday after an urgent request that day from Quebec Public Health. The province then announced there would be 50 per cent capacity for indoor venues with 1,000 or more people going forward, but increasing COVID numbers caused a change Monday.

The news also could affect the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens' AHL affiliate, as well as Quebec-based QMJHL teams.

The Rocket's next home game is scheduled for Dec. 29, while the QMJHL is in the midst of its holiday break and is scheduled to resume play on Dec. 28.

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