COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Friday
Two new regions are declared red zones, will face stricter public health rules
- Quebec reports 952 new cases of COVID-19 and 18 more deaths on Friday, four of which were in the past 24 hours. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 104,952 confirmed cases and 6,231 people have died.
- There are 515 people in hospital (an increase of six), including 81 in intensive care (an increase of 3). Here's a guide to the numbers.
- Having trouble keeping track of what's now closed? Consult our list.
- 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.
Two new Quebec regions are moving into high alert, qualifying as "red zones" with the public health restrictions that come with the category.
They are the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Chaudière-Appalaches regions, and restrictions will be in effect as of Monday midnight. Of the 19 health regions in Quebec, 12 are now red zones.
Testing has been an ongoing issue. There is news that the province will be receiving a much larger batch of rapid COVID-19 testing kits than expected — about 453,000 in total, with a little less than half arriving by the end of this week.
Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu confirmed those numbers on Thursday during question period in the House of Commons.
That means Quebec will receive about 37 per cent of the 1.2 million rapid testing kits being deployed across Canada by the federal government.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- The province's public health director says COVID-19 vaccinations in Quebec could begin in early 2021.
- Worrying about her students and her son can take a toll, but this teacher tries to keep it all together.
- Here's how the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region has largely dodged the second COVID-19 wave.
- Here's what Quebec teachers are doing to get the most out of their stressed and anxious students.
- How rapid tests work and why timing is critical.
- Hundreds of Quebec teachers say they're exhausted and struggling to follow public health guidelines.
- Quebec doctors treating COVID-19 have new techniques and treatments but there is still some unknown.
- The pandemic is taking a toll on young Quebecers, according to a public health study.
- Trudeau announces plan to purchase 76 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Quebec City-based Medicago.
- This is what you can and can't do while living in a red zone.
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.
