At a time when the snowmobile season is in full swing, Public Health tightened the health instructions for the relays on February 8. This change of course frustrates clubs in the region.
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Inside the red zones, such as in Chaudière-Appalaches, snowmobilers must now enter the relays only to warm up and access the toilets. The mask is mandatory, as well as physical distancing (two meters) and hand disinfection.
“At the start of the season, people were also allowed to bring their lunch and eat in the relay. We also had a catering service to take out or eat there. People were in command outside and entered the relay through a different door. They were in a family bubble and could not stay more than 30 minutes, ”explains Éric Duval, president of the Club de motoneige Beauceville.
In order to accommodate snowmobilers, the club has spent a lot of money to adjust its relay to health measures related to COVID-19.
“We had a visit from a (Public Health) inspector. We have added signs outside to ban alcohol consumption on the grounds. The police advised us to do this to avoid a ticket, ”says Mr. Duval.
Caroline Larochelle, manager of the Resto-Bar Club Motoneige et Vtt de Saint-Bernard, saw a similar situation. Open year round, this business prepares take-out orders for regular visitors. This winter, elements have been added in the establishment for snowmobilers.
“In particular, we put a dividing wall and hired two security guards. Public Health gave us a right before removing it, even though the situation (COVID-19) has not changed. I called to ask for clarification. Public Health did not know what to answer me. It was confusing, ”she says.
Unfair competition
Éric Duval also denounces what he considers unfair competition. In recent weeks, standard restaurants have “transformed” into relays.
“It takes a number from the FCMQ (Fédération des clubs de motoneige du Québec) to be recognized as a relay. I spoke to Public Health about it. Looks like they didn’t know this rule. Lots of restaurants have obtained permission from Public Health, ”denounces Mr. Duval.
Contacted by the newspaper, Public Health referred us simply to the press release of February 5 deciding the update of health rules.
“If a relay or a restaurant has a question about its specific situation, it should turn to its regional public health directorate,” writes Noémie Vanheuverzwijn, spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).
Éric Duval spoke about his problem to the member for Beauce-Nord, Luc Provençal. “I hope he can shake things up. Otherwise, I close my relay and the snowmobilers will work out. In six weeks, the season will be over, ”he recalls.
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