With heat warning in effect until Tuesday, here's how to cool off

With Environment Canada issuing a heat warning for most of southern Quebec until Tuesday, Montreal has announced special measures to ensure residents can keep cool.

A humidex as high as40 is expected in regionsincluding the greater Montreal area, Quebec City and the Eastern Townships over the next few days.

Montreal will be opening some of its community centres and other air-conditioned locationsbeginningSaturday, to allow people to cool offwhile respecting physical-distancing measures.

Shopping malls also reopened Friday, giving Montrealers another option to beat the heat.

• Check out Montreal's mapofplaces to cool off here

Outdoor pools reopen with new set of rules

The city's outdoor pools will gradually reopen starting Saturday, with strict COVID-19 safety regulations in place.

Swimmers are asked to:

• Change into your bathing suitat home, as changing rooms will be closed. Washrooms will be open.
• Shower and apply sunscreen at home, before heading to the pool.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after entering the pool.
• Stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who does.
• Stay home if you have travelled outside the country in the last 14 days.
• Maintain a distance of two metres between yourself and others at all times.

Several of the city'ssplash pads have been open since last month, but there will be some additional ones open temporarily because of the heat.

Provincial health authorities recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water per day. They are asking people tocheckin on elderly and vulnerable friends and family members.

Spending at least two hours in a cool or air-conditioned place is also recommended.