Quebec prevents retailers from selling 'non-essential items' under harsh new COVID restrictions

Under new coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions in Quebec, shoppers may now only go shopping for essential products, including groceries and some home maintenance products, among others.

Enforcement of the new restrictions began on Christmas Day and continue until Jan 10, with the Quebec government saying that they are taking "advantage of the festive season to limit the spread of COVID-19"

However, concern is arising over some of the goods deemed non-essential, thereby preventing Quebecers from purchasing them.

Under the restrictions, even stores which are deemed essential may not sell products which are considered non-essential, leaving aisles of the few remaining open stores blocked off by plastic and yellow tape.

As a result, everyday household products used to make food such as refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves are off sale. Ice too is considered non-essential under the new restrictions, leaving citizens whose refrigerators break down out of luck.

While food itself is still considered essential, the tools for eating it are not, with cutlery and other tableware products being considered non-essential.

Parents are also restricted from purchasing toys for their children even as they are shuttered in their homes.

Consumers seeking to purchase such restricted products can still do so online.

Despite the restrictions prohibiting citizens from purchasing normal products, alcohol stores, marijuana shops, and florists are all deemed essential and remain open.