COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Friday
Health officials urge public to avoid gatherings as daily case count highest since May
- Quebec reported 637 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths Friday. Four deaths occurring between Sept. 18 and Sept. 23 were added to the total. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 70,307 confirmed cases and 5,814 people have died.
- There are 199 people in hospital (an increase of 15), including 33 in intensive care (an increase of two).
- Having trouble keeping track of what has reopened? Consult our list.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé is asking the public to avoid social gatherings for 28 days.
Dubé said public health experts believe that, if the spread of the virus can be contained for two consecutive two-week stretches, the second wave of the virus will be better contained.
The province reported 637 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, the highest daily number since May 21. The province also conducted more than 36,000 tests, the most ever in a day.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- How right-wing extremists, libertarians and evangelicals built Quebec's movement against COVID-19 restrictions.
- Montreal public health is preparing for a shift to the red alert level. The borough with the highest rate of infection is now Outremont.
- Quebec's long-term care homes are about to be put to another test, and the cracks are already showing.
- The family of a 17-year-old murdered in 2006 demands the right to be present at the parole hearing for the girl's killer. They have been told to attend by phone due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Schools scramble to make up for learning losses that have already occurred in the pandemic.
- New Brunswick's travel bubble with Quebec shrinks again.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever.
- New or worsening cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
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.
