COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Wednesday
CBC News | Posted: January 27, 2021 11:28 AM | Last Updated: January 27, 2021
Superior Court judge suspends application of curfew for homeless population
- Quebec reported 1,328 new cases on Wednesday and 53 more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 257,330 confirmed cases and 9,630 people have died.
- There are 1,290 people in hospital (a decrease of 34), including 221 in intensive care (an increase of four).
- 4,340 doses of vaccine were administered Tuesday. A total of 229,219 doses have been administered since Dec. 14, accounting for 2.68 per cent of the population.
- Did you lose a loved one to COVID-19 in the past year? Send us a note if you'd like to share their story
With the number of new, daily cases continuing to drop, the premier is mulling which restrictions to lift, and in which regions, but a Superior Court judge has taken at least one decision out of François Legault's hands.
The judge ruled that the province's curfew does not apply to people experiencing homelessness. It issued a safeguard order that suspends the overnight curfew for the homeless population until Feb. 5.
In her ruling, the judge said the measure has had a discriminatory and disproportionate effect on people who have no place to go at night. The province said Wednesday it has decided not to challenge the ruling.
Meanwhile, the Quebec government could lift some restrictions in the coming weeks, but the premier has made it clear he is unlikely to loosen the rules in the Montreal area — by far the hardest hit region of the province.
The pandemic has been difficult for everyone and experts say it's important to remember that there is a lot right now that is beyond our control.
If you have been feeling isolated, we've compiled some ways to help you cope as part of a special CBC Quebec project called Out of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- A judge has ruled that Quebec's curfew does not apply to homeless population.
- Quebec could loosen restrictions in some regions next month.
- The province's major media outlets issue a unanimous call for more access to health installations.
- Montreal public health director apologizes over rule confusion after police raid synagogues.
- A Montreal Heart Institute study suggests a widely available anti-inflammatory drug is an effective COVID-19 treatment.
- Quebec allows places of worships to reopen, with strict gathering limits.
- If vacation trips aren't banned, Legault wants those returning to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense
- City of Montreal converts arena, skate park into shelters and warming centre for the homeless.
- CBC's interactive coronavirus tracker with cases, hospitalizations and vaccinations across Canada.
- Here's a list of acceptable reasons for being out after curfew in Quebec.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever.
- New or worsening cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
- Gastrointestinal issues (such as nausea, diarrhea).
If you think you may have COVID-19, the government asks that you call 1‑877‑644‑4545 to schedule an appointment at a screening clinic.
Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask is mandatory in enclosed public spaces across the province.
- Stay at least two metres away from other people as much as possible.
- Self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a stay outside the country.