COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Friday
CBC News | Posted: November 13, 2020 11:26 AM | Last Updated: November 13, 2020
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean health authority working to contain virus as cases remain high
- Quebec reported 1,301 new cases of COVID-19 and 30 more deaths on Friday, with one death no longer attributed to the coronavirus. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 121,195 confirmed cases and 6,586 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 583 people in hospital (no change), including 85 in intensive care (a decrease of one).
- 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.
As cases of COVID-19 in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region remain high, the regional health authority says it will hire 10 to 20 new contact tracers and establish a new testing clinic in Jonquière, a borough of Saguenay.
The provincial minister responsible for the region, Andrée Laforest, said that since Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé visited the region on Monday, fast action has been taken to address specific problems, including improving access to testing.
The region, which has been under red zone restrictions since Nov. 2, saw a drop in cases on Friday, with 82 new cases compared to 197 on Thursday.
But regional public health director Dr. Donald Aubin said it's important to look at the greater trend, rather than single-day numbers.
"One day is not a viable indicator in terms of epidemiology," Aubin said.
He says even if the region's health-care system is under pressure, health authorities are adjusting their methods in order to respond.
"Everything is under control," Aubin said. "We expect to be able to come back to the level very soon."
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Quebec premier mulls temporarily closing schools this winter to reduce spread of COVID-19.
- Quebec reveals its $1.5 billion plan to kickstart an economy struggling under COVID-19 restrictions.
- As winter approaches, Quebec has yet to produce plan for ventilation in classrooms.
- Spread of COVID-19 on the rise in 3 Montreal neighbourhoods, public health says.
- The death toll has again begun to rise, with more than 700 deaths since school began in late August.
- What happens when COVID-19 crashes a birthday party? We examine an outbreak in Laval and what we can learn from it.
- Concerned about possible COVID-19 outbreaks, CBSA is freeing most migrants from detention centres
- This is how some businesses and schools are dealing with airborne COVID-19 and preparing for a winter indoors.
- The CBC's business unit asks how long can interest rates stay low once a vaccine arrives?
- Here's everything you need to know about getting the flu shot this year.
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.