COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Friday
Across the province, vaccination now open to those 65 and over
- Quebec reported 764 new cases on Friday and 11 more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 300,916 confirmed cases and 10,587 people have died.
- There are 504 people in hospital (a decrease of 15), including 99 in intensive care (a decrease of two).
- 38,459 doses of vaccine were administered on Thursday for a total of 872,459 since Dec. 14.
The Quebec government is asking businesses to lend a hand in the vaccination effort.
Health Minister Christian Dubé says the province hopes to sign up 20 to 50 large companies that will each be able to vaccinate 15,000 to 25,000 people over a number of weeks, when shipments of doses increases significantly in May and June.
The health-care network is equipped to handle the 35,000 to 45,000 doses per day that will be available in March and April, he said. (The province set a new record Thursday with 38,459 doses given.)
But, as with the province's use of pharmacies to widen the vaccination program's reach, the addition of businesses will further complement existing resources.
As of now, all Quebecers who are 65 and older are eligible to book appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine. So far, more than 830,000 vaccine doses have been administered.
If you have been feeling isolated, we've compiled some ways to help cope as part of a special CBC Quebec project called Out of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- The government will face hurdles in its attempt to vaccinate nearly every Quebecer by June 24
- The province's physicians and nurses say government needs to tighten screws on private CHSLDs.
- AstraZeneca says its vaccine review found no evidence of increased blood clot risks.
- Gyms and spas to reopen in COVID red zones but don't expect your spin class to resume.
- The Canada-U.S. border's been shut down for a year — and there's no reopening plan.
- Their jobs are essential, but protesting workers in Montreal say wages, treatment suggest otherwise.
- Robbed of saying a proper goodbye, families mourn those they lost to COVID-19.
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.
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 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.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.
