COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know this weekend
Gilles-Villeneuve racetrack open for drive-through vaccinations, Montreal goes orange tomorrow
- Quebec reported 179 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday and no new deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 371,767 confirmed cases and 11,149 people have died (a decrease of one because a previous death is no longer attributed to COVID-19).
- There are 274 people in hospital (a decrease of nine), including 61 in intensive care (a decrease of three).
- 83,166 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, for a total of 6,085,750 since Dec. 14.
- 64 per cent of Quebecers have received one dose of vaccine, and seven per cent have received two doses
Montreal and Laval are set be downgraded from red to orange zones on Monday, meaning residents will join much of the rest of the province in being able to go to gyms and eat in restaurant dining rooms.
Once considered the epicentre of the pandemic in Quebec, Montreal has recorded 100 COVID-19 cases or fewer for eight consecutive days.
Parts of the Eastern Townships, Chaudière-Appalaches and the Bas-Saint-Laurent regions will also be downgraded to orange zones on Monday.
Drive-through clinic open this weekend
The Gilles-Villeneuve racetrack on Île Notre-Dame will be open for a drive-through vaccination clinic this weekend and next, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
About 1,000 doses are available each day. But an appointment is necessary. You can book one on Clic santé.
On Monday, a province-wide effort begins to get children aged 12 to 17 vaccinated. The logistics of the effort will vary by region, but will include mobile clinics at schools as well as buses taking children to vaccination clinics.
Children, or their parents if they are 13 or younger, will also be able to book vaccination appointments on Clic santé.
Get your 2nd dose sooner
Quebecers will be able to move up their appointment for a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine this month.
Those 80 and over will be eligible to do so starting Monday, through the online booking system Clic Santé.
Younger age groups will be able to do the same in the days and weeks that follow.
First dose available without appointment
Montrealers who have yet to get a shot of a COVID-19 vaccine can now get one at the Olympic Stadium without appointments.
Until further notice, walk-ins for first doses will be accepted every day at the Big O from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, the regional health board for the eastern part of the island, says they will notify people on Twitter on a daily basis whenever they run out of doses.
As for the CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, it's offering certain vaccines on a first-come, first-served basis.
People can get their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Bill Durnan Arena on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will also be available Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The AstraZeneca vaccine will be offered as a second dose (eight weeks after the first) every day at Décarie Square from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Again, it's first-come, first-served.
WATCH | Quebecers with 1st shot of AstraZeneca can opt for different 2nd dose
Top COVID-19 stories
- Montreal's public health director urges people to continue to avoid private gatherings
- Parts of Montreal and Laval struggling with low vaccination rates
- Life for elementary and high school students in Quebec could be back to 'normal' in fall.
- Quebec moves ahead with reopening, but people in Montreal and Laval will have to be patient.
- Here's where you can get your second AstraZeneca dose.
- Canada is gearing up to reopen. Can it last?
- Canada has ordered more than 400 million COVID-19 vaccine shots: Here's the progress report.
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, runny or stuffy nose.
- 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.
Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a mask or face covering 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.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.
