COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Saturday
CBC News | Posted: May 9, 2020 3:21 PM | Last Updated: May 9, 2020
Grim projections, travel rules and feeling safe while shopping at your local market
The latest:
- Quebec has 36,986 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 2,786 people have died. That's 61 more recorded deaths from a day earlier.
There are 1,835 people in hospital, including 205 in intensive care. Here's a guide to the numbers. - The reopening of schools, daycares and businesses in Montreal has been postponed to May 25.
- Quebec's unemployment rate has soared to 17 per cent, the highest ever recorded.
- Montreal's public transit agency, the STM, will hand out free masks to commuters.
Deaths and hospitalizations in the Montreal region could increase rapidly once deconfinement begins, according to Quebec's public health institute.
The institute (INSPQ) published a report predicting stark numbers — a maximum of 150 deaths and 500 hospitalizations per day by July — once businesses and schools start to reopen.
It doesn't take into account deaths in long-term care homes.
The goal of the report, put together by experts at the INSPQ and Université Laval, was to "predict the potential impact of deconfinement strategies announced by the Quebec government for the Montreal area and other regions in the province."
Travel rules
As travel restrictions in some of the province's regions are removed, many Quebecers are now wondering if that means they can go to their cottage or visit other provinces.
The answer to that question is — it depends.
Public markets adapting as outdoor season starts
Montreal's public markets have put in place new safety measures as the outdoor season begins, including controlled entrances, hand sanitizer galore and crowd control.
For an idea of what's being done at Jean-Talon Market to keep people safe, click here.