Montreal to stop all public events until July 2

The city of Montreal has decided to cancel any and all sporting events and festivals until July 2, 2020, at the earliest. These cancellations will prevent large public gatherings, a measure that is imperative to slowing the spread of COVID-19, according to TVA Nouvelles.

Montreal's mayor, Valerie Plante, posted the announcement via her Twitter account, writing, "Montréal has cancelled all cultural and sporting events on its territory until July 2, in order to limit public gatherings. It is a difficult decision because Montreal is a known destination for world class events and festivals. And we will be there to support our partners."

Quebec's famous Jean-Baptiste Day and Canada Day will both fall before the ban on public events is lifted.

The widely attended Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada which would have normally taken place in June, is being postponed to another date later in the year although no set date has been released.

The international comedy sensation, the Just for Laughs Festival, has announced that they will postpone their events until the fall. Other festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Francolfolies de Montreal have already made announcements that they would cancel their 2020 festivities.