COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Wednesday
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Quebec surpass 2,000 for first time since mid-February
- On Wednesday, Quebec reported 2,060 people in hospital (an increase of 122 from the previous day), including 83 in intensive care (an increase of 16 from the previous day).
- The province reported 3,515 new cases of COVID-19 and 13 deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,007,006 confirmed cases, and 14,592 people have died.
- The province also reported a total of 18,963,907 doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered, including 38,839 doses in the last 24 hours.
- 91 per cent of the eligible population in the province (aged five and up) have received one dose of the vaccine; 87 per cent have received two doses, and 54 per cent have received three doses.
*The new cases are those reported to the Quebec government only. They are believed to be an underrepresentation of the virus's spread, given the limited availability of PCR tests and use of home testing kits.
*Quebec's Health Ministry no longer reports COVID-19 numbers on the weekend.
As Quebecers get ready for long holiday weekend that is likely to be filled with large gatherings, the province's interim public health director says they should be mindful of limiting the spread of both the coronavirus and the seasonal flu.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Dr. Luc Boileau said an unseasonal wave of influenza has begun in Quebec.
He said the province will not impose limits on the size of gatherings this weekend. Instead, he's asking Quebecers to "manage their risk" and avoid getting together with others if they have symptoms of either COVID-19 or the flu.
The beginning of the flu season coincides with a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and patients.
On Wednesday, Quebec reported 13 new deaths attributed to COVID-19 and a 122-patient increase in COVID-related hospitalizations, bringing the total to 2,060 — the first time hospitalizations have surpassed 2,000 since mid-February.
NACI recommends boosters for 18+
Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is now strongly recommending that all adults and immunocompromised children aged 12 to 17 get a first COVID-19 booster shot as Canada experiences a resurgence of the virus.
"It doesn't matter where you are in Canada right now. I would advise getting that booster shot," said Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam Tuesday.
Dr. Tam said the recent surge across Canada has been driven by the Omicron variant and its BA.2 subvariant.
"We are seeing that resurgence, whether you call it the sixth wave or however many waves there is in your local jurisdiction, it is a resurgence," she said. "And that is why it's important to get that booster now."
WATCH: Tam encourages Canadians to get a COVID-19 booster dose
Top COVID-19 stories
- More Quebec family doctors eyeing retirement
- Canada's vaccine advisory committee on second booster shots for 80 and over
- New Quebec health plan promises better access to care.
- 10 MNAs and counting contract COVID-19.
- Quebec plans to eliminate forced overtime for nurses, revamp health system by 2025.
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, vomiting).
- Sore throat
- Generalized muscle pain.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
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.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.