COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know this weekend
Police gave out dozens of tickets to protesters upset by provincewide curfew
- Quebec reported 2,588 new cases on Sunday and 39 more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 228,821 confirmed cases and 8,686 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 1,380 people in hospital (a decrease of 12), including 203 in intensive care (a decrease of three).
- 9,264 doses of vaccine were administered on Saturday, for a total of 84,387.
- 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.
With hospitals in many areas, including greater Montreal, reaching the breaking point, the government says it is making a desperate effort to stop COVID-19 from spreading.
That effort includes a four-week overnight curfew for all regions of the province but the far north.
Dozens of tickets were given out to small groups of anti-curfew protesters in Sherbrooke, Quebec City and Montreal.
In an open letter on his Facebook page, Premier François Legault said the point of the curfew, which started Saturday night, "is to prevent gatherings, even the smallest ones. It's the addition of all the small breaches of the rules is what feeds the virus. Anybody can catch it and give it to a loved one."
But in places where curfews are already in effect, experts are questioning whether the measure is effective.
Legault added that while vaccination of vulnerable populations continues to ramp up, it's no time to get complacent. It will take several more weeks for the province's most vulnerable to be immunized.
"Our battle is ending, and like a long marathon the final kilometres are the hardest. I'm begging you to make this one last effort," he said.
On Saturday, the province reported more than 3,000 cases in a single day for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
According to the Health Ministry, the province plans to vaccinate 250,000 people on its priority list between now and Feb. 8, when the enhanced lockdown measures are supposed to be lifted.
More specifically, the province plans to reach its target of vaccinating 75 per cent of CHSLD residents, or 30,000 people, by Jan. 25.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Lost your sense of smell because of COVID-19? You may be able to re-train your nose.
- Air purifiers and filters aren't a "magic bullet", says the province, which won't put them in schools.
- When will you get a COVID-19 shot? Quebec provides more clarity on its vaccine schedule.
- Cree community moves into lockdown to contain outbreak of COVID-19.
- Here's a list of acceptable reasons for being out after curfew in Quebec.
- Some nurses feel betrayed after province postpones 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
- Quebec lays out how COVID-19 curfew will be enforced.
- Late-night beer runs on hold under Quebec's curfew, much to the dismay of depanneur owners.
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.
