COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Tuesday
Quebec identifies 2 cases of South African variant but daily count on decline
- Quebec reported 826 new cases on Tuesday and 32 more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 271 737 confirmed cases and 10 078 people have died.
- There are 940 people in hospital (a decrease of 29), including 145 in intensive care (a decrease of 15).
- 2,816 doses of vaccine were administered on Monday. A total of 262,594 doses have been administered since Dec. 14, accounting for three per cent of the population.
- Businesses and other services are gradually reopening. Here's a list of what is open, and what is still closed.
As many businesses across the province reopen their doors, and the number of daily cases continues to fall, Premier Francois Legault urged the public to continue to follow public health guidelines.
"We have no choice. We must continue to make sacrifices," he said Tuesday in his first public briefing since the changes to restrictions on Feb. 8.
On Monday, the province reported fewer than 900 new cases, and the number of people in hospital due to the virus has remained below 1,000.
However, the threat of more transmissible variants remains: Quebec announced Tuesday it had identified two new cases of the South African variant in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, in addition to the eight cases of the U.K. variant previously identified.
And despite the recent drop in cases, Quebec became the first province on Sunday to record more than 10,000 deaths related to the virus.
If you have been feeling isolated, we've compiled some ways to help cope as part of a special CBC Quebec project called Out of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Should I wear a mask outdoors? Your COVID-19 questions answered
- Quebec signing more contracts with private clinics to help clear surgery waitlists.
- Quebec urged to list burnout as an 'occupational disease' in update to workplace safety laws.
- Cancer specialists are bracing for patients suffering from more advanced disease due to delays in screening and diagnostic testing during the pandemic.
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.
