COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Tuesday
Legault says feds must shut down all non-essential travel
- Quebec reported 1,386 new cases on Tuesday and 55 more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 245,734 confirmed cases and 9,142 people have died.
- There are 1,500 people in hospital (an increase of nine), including 212 in intensive care (a decrease of five).
- 10,514 doses of vaccine were administered on Monday. A total of 164,053 doses have been administered since Dec. 14.
- 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.
Premier François Legault says the federal government must shut down all non-essential travel, including trips to the Caribbean, to halt the spread of COVID-19 variants.
He is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately ban all non-essential travel, adding "we can talk about what non-essential means."
Legault made the comments as the number of confirmed cases has gone down in recent days, with 1,386 cases in the province's latest update on Tuesday — a far cry from the 2,225 infections reported last Saturday.
The death toll remains heavy, however, with 55 more people losing their lives due to the virus, according to today's report.
The province's Health Ministry has announced changes to its vaccination campaign, including a reduction in the number of doses to be administered by Feb. 8.
The province's target of providing 250,000 doses by Feb. 8 has been reduced to 225,000, but the Health Ministry is still promising to provide second doses to people who have had their first shot within a maximum of 90 days.
Meanwhile, the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and experts say it's important to remember that there is a lot right now that is beyond our control.
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
- Quebec high schoolers head back to the daily grind after a long break from in-person classes.
- Pfizer to temporarily reduce vaccine deliveries to Canada, minister says
- Quebec plans to use rapid tests, days after health minister said they weren't needed.
- Montreal will start vaccinating homeless population after spike in COVID-19 cases.
- 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.
