COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Friday
Health minister says province has had to revise vaccination schedule due to Pfizer delays
- Quebec reported 1,918 new cases on Friday and 62 more deaths.Two previously reported deaths are no longer attributed to COVID-19.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 238,745 confirmed cases and 8,938 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 1,496 people in hospital (a decrease of 27), including 231 in intensive care (an increase of one).
- 11,369 doses of vaccine were administered on Thursday, for a total of roughly 127,000.
- 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.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced Friday evening that due to delays in Pfizer's production line, 86,775 of 176,475 doses of the vaccine which were supposed to be delivered by Feb. 8 won't arrive.
The delay is now forcing the province to revise its vaccination campaign calendar.
En raison de la ⬇️ de la capacité de production de Pfizer, 86 775 des 176 475 doses qui étaient prévues d’ici le 8 fév ne pourront être livrées. Nos équipes travaillent déjà à établir une nouvelle planification de distribution des doses. Détails à venir. <a href="https://t.co/lNDBKwKPrT">https://t.co/lNDBKwKPrT</a>
—@cdube_santeOn Thursday, Quebec said it was delaying the delivery of the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to protect as many Quebecers as possible with the first dose.
"Saving lives is a moral imperative, reducing the number of hospitalizations is a necessity," said Dubé said Thursday. "The more doses we have, the more we'll be able to reduce the delay between the first and second dose."
Dubé is pledging to deliver a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within "a maximum" of 90 days.
Dr. Richard Massé, the public health specialist who is advising the provincial vaccine co-ordination task force, said putting off second doses by a few weeks will allow 500,000 at-risk people, mostly over the age of 70, to be vaccinated with the first dose between now and the end of March.
As for the daily case total, the health minister said cases appear to be stabilizing around the 2,000 mark, but with hospitalizations still on the rise, he urged people to follow the rules.
"The situation, for me, is still very worrisome, particularly when it comes to hospitalizations and that's why we're still seeing a very high number of deaths," Dubé said.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Pfizer to temporarily reduce vaccine deliveries to Canada, minister says
- Montreal's Sainte-Justine Hospital says parents should bring their children to the ER when needed, even if it means breaking curfew.
- Quebec plans to use rapid tests, days after health minister said they weren't needed.
- Quebec postpones surgeries, but breast enhancements and butt lifts in private sector are still a go.
- Montreal-area hospitals are trying to add beds for COVID-19 patients, but need more staff.
- Montreal will start vaccinating homeless population after spike in COVID-19 cases.
- Safety concerns remain as Quebec elementary school students return to class.
- Cases soar among Montreal's homeless population, and advocates say it's time for priority vaccination.
- When will you get a COVID-19 shot? Quebec provides more clarity on its vaccine schedule.
- 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.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.