COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday
CBC News | Posted: November 1, 2021 10:12 AM | Last Updated: November 1, 2021
Quebec lifts capacity limits in restaurants and bars
- Quebec reported 497 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday and two new deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 425,457confirmed cases and 11,496 people have died.
- There are 244 people in hospital (an increase of eight), including 67 in intensive care (an increase of five).
- The province has administered 13,249,444 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including 3,241 in the past 24 hours.
- 90 per cent of the eligible population in the province (age 12 and up) has received one dose of vaccine, and 86 per cent has received two doses.
Note: Quebec's Health Ministry does not publish the number of vaccines administered on weekends and public holidays.
Novavax, which could be produced in Montreal, has completed a submission to Health Canada for authorization of its two-dose COVID-19 vaccine,
But it's not yet clear how Novavax's shot would be administered in Canada, where 84 per cent of those 12 and over have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The federal government struck a deal with Novavax, as it did with several other companies early in the pandemic, with Canada agreeing early this year to purchase 52 million doses.
It was announced that Novavax would produce its own COVID-19 vaccine at the National Research Council site in Montreal, and in mid-October the NRC said in a statement that "the work with Novavax is proceeding as planned."
Restaurants, bars return to full capacity
Public health measures are easing for Quebec's bars and restaurants starting Nov. 1.
Restaurants and bars can now open at full capacity while applying a one-metre distance rule between tables, starting today.
Normal operating hours will also be allowed, meaning bars can once again stay open until 3 a.m.
The ban on dancing, standing and singing will remain in effect.
Clients will have to show their vaccination passport upon entry and will be required to wear masks when moving around the establishment.
If the distance of one metre cannot be achieved between tables, a barrier must be in place. A maximum of 10 people from up to three different households will be allowed to sit at one table.
Gaspé schools cancel classes again
Students at Sainte-Ursule and École Caron schools in Amqui, a municipality in the Gaspé, won't be returning to classrooms for another week after previously cancelling classes because of an outbreak.
New COVID-19 cases have been detected in both schools since they reported an outbreak last week. Forty-nine new cases have been detected among students or teachers at Sainte-Ursule and around 40 at École Caron.
Classes at Armand-St-Onge high school, also in Amqui, will be held in-person since no new cases have been detected.
Vaccination requirements for travel
All travellers in Canada aged 12 and older must now be fully vaccinated before boarding planes, trains or cruise ships in Canada.
The federal government says travellers must be doubly vaccinated two weeks prior to travel.
Even those fully vaccinated need to show proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test upon returning to Canada.
The government said exceptions would be made for emergencies and special accommodation for designated remote communities so residents can continue to access essential services.
For unvaccinated foreign nationals who don't live in Canada and entered the country before Oct. 30, they will have until Feb. 28 to show proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test in order to board a flight taking them out of the country.
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- Take a look inside: How a Montreal hospital deals with ongoing staffing shortages
- U.S. confirms it will accept Canadian travellers with mixed vaccines
- Quebec postpones vaccination mandate for health-care workers to Nov. 15
- These Quebec nurses are willing to sacrifice their careers to avoid getting COVID-19 shots
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, vomiting).
- Sore throat
- Generalized muscle pain.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
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.
To reserve an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can go on the online portal quebec.ca/covidvaccine. You can also call 1-877-644-4545.