COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday
Fines are coming for those who do not follow province's mask rules
- Quebec reported 188 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths on Thursday. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 64,244 confirmed cases and 5,773 people have died.
- There are 119 people in hospital (an increase of six), including 12 in intensive care (a decrease of two). Here's a guide to the numbers.
- CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please get in touch.
- Having trouble keeping track of what has reopened? Consult our list.
Premier François Legault says police will begin handing out fines to anyone who isn't wearing a mask when required according to public guidelines.
The fines will apply across the province, but Legault said authorities will be asked to pay special attention to regions that are classified as "yellow" under the government's new colour-coded COVID-19 alert system.
"There's a trend we do not like here," he said. "We cannot accept that a few irresponsible individuals put at risk the entire population of Quebec."
The new enforcement measures go into effect Saturday.
WATCH: Quebec's new alert system, explained
Top COVID-19 stories today
- The Quebec government is expected to soon ban karaoke in bars and other enclosed public spaces.
- Two post-secondary institutions are closed in La Pocatière after outbreaks in the region.
- With cases rising, Montrealers urged to be vigilant when seeing family and friends.
- New books, new masks: What the first day back looked like at this Montreal school.
- Several schools on Montreal's South Shore reporting multiple COVID-19 cases.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever.
- New or worsening cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
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.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.
