COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday
CBC News | Posted: October 22, 2020 10:23 AM | Last Updated: October 23, 2020
Premier François Legault says the number of daily cases still needs to come down
- Quebec reported 1,033 new cases of COVID-19 and 20 more deaths, eight of which were in the past 24 hours. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 97,321 confirmed cases in the province and 6,094 people have died.
- There are 553 people in hospital (a decrease of 12), including 101 in intensive care (an increase of seven). Here's a guide to the numbers.
- Having trouble keeping track of what's now closed? Consult our list.
- 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 it's unlikely restaurants will reopen in the near future, given the high number of cases and the rising number of hospitalizations and deaths.
"We cannot afford to continue to have 1,000 cases every day," Legault said Thursday.
Restaurant owners issued an open letter earlier in the day asking to be able to reopen their dining rooms. Legault has already said many restrictions will be extended beyond Oct. 28.
Mayor Valérie Plante, meanwhile, is encouraging people to shop at local stores ahead of the holiday season.
WATCH | Quebec premier says decision about what will reopen in red zones coming next week
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Quebec health minister says he's losing sleep over CHSLDs.
- A worker has died after a COVID-19 outbreak at an Olymel meat processing facility in the Beauce region.
- Mayor Valérie Plante is asking Montrealers to shop locally, instead of going online.
- The fallout effects from the pandemic are wide-ranging, but experts say people with dementia are some of the hardest hit.
- How rapid tests work and why timing is critical.
- This is what you can and can't do while living in a red zone.
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.